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Updated: Jan 15, 2026
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Pedicle Screw Placement Using an Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display in a Porcine Model
Published on: May 24, 2024
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An immersive mixed reality surgical self-training system for precise pedicle screw placement: a randomized controlled
Qian He1,2, Jiahao Li2, Ye Xiao1,2
1School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China.
BMC Medical Education
|October 6, 2025
Summary
Immersive mixed reality surgical self-training (IMR-SS) significantly improved novice learners' pedicle screw placement skills and satisfaction compared to traditional methods. This innovative system enhances surgical education by integrating virtual and hands-on training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Technology
- Surgical Training Simulation
- Mixed Reality Applications
Background:
- Pedicle screw placement training is lengthy and expensive.
- An Immersive Mixed Reality Surgical Self-Training System (IMR-SS) was developed to address these challenges.
- IMR-SS integrates holographic instructions with physical spine models for combined virtual and hands-on learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the IMR-SS for pedicle screw placement.
- To determine if IMR-SS improves novice learners' performance and training satisfaction.
- To compare IMR-SS training with traditional digital textbook methods.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involved 32 undergraduate medical students.
- Participants were assigned to either the IMR group (using IMR-SS) or a control group (digital textbook).
- Both groups received theoretical and practical training, followed by identical assessments.
Main Results:
- The IMR group demonstrated significantly higher completion rates (0.99 vs. 0.87) and fewer errors (0.06 vs. 2.13) compared to the control group.
- IMR group showed improved screw placement accuracy with smaller angles (13.88° vs. 20.89°).
- The IMR group reported significantly greater training satisfaction and confidence.
Conclusions:
- IMR-SS is a feasible and effective method for surgical education.
- It enhances practical skills and provides superior hands-on training experiences for novice medical students.
- Future research should validate long-term skill retention and transferability.
