Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
08:38
Three-dimensional Navigation-guided, Prone, Single-position, Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Technique
Published on: July 15, 2021
3.8K
Augmented Reality Navigation for Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion with Posterior Instrumentation: Feasibility,
Gabriel Urreola1, Matileen G Cranick1, Jose A Castillo1
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Davis, 4610 X Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Augmented reality (AR) navigation in extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) surgery significantly reduces radiation exposure and improves outcomes. This first-in-human study shows AR is safe and effective for lateral spine fusion.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery innovations
- Minimally invasive techniques
- Medical imaging and navigation
Background:
- Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) traditionally uses fluoroscopy and neuromonitoring.
- Augmented reality (AR) offers real-time visualization, potentially reducing fluoroscopy use.
- This study marks the first application of AR in lateral spine surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of AR-guided XLIF.
- To assess the impact of AR navigation on operative parameters and patient outcomes.
- To compare radiation exposure with traditional fluoroscopy-guided XLIF.
Main Methods:
- A case series of five patients undergoing AR-guided LLIF (lateral decubitus or prone transpsoas).
- Utilized Augmedics xvision Spine System with intraoperative CT-based registration and optical tool tracking.
- Collected data on operative time, blood loss, length of stay, radiation, accuracy, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Five patients (8 levels L2-L5) underwent AR-guided XLIF.
- Mean operative time: 5h 1min; Mean EBL: 94mL; Mean LOS: 5.85 days.
- Mean radiation exposure (21.73 mGy) was significantly lower than fluoroscopy-guided XLIF (108.6 mGy).
- All patients reported pain reduction; 4/5 had complete symptom resolution.
- Instrumentation accuracy was confirmed radiographically in all cases.
Conclusions:
- AR navigation is feasible, safe, and effective for lateral lumbar interbody fusion.
- AR provides accurate disc space access and instrumentation with reduced radiation exposure.
- AR shows promise as an adjunct to enhance safety, efficiency, and workflow in lateral spine surgery.
