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Updated: Jan 7, 2026
Optimizing Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: A Fully 3D CT O-Arm Navigated Workflow in MIS TLIF
Published on: October 17, 2025
The future is now: How AI is reshaping spine care
Eric J Muelbauer1, Mohammed Ali Alvi2,3, David J Kennedy4
1Executive Office, North American Spine Society, 1000 N. Northwest Highway, Suite 150, Park Ridge, IL 60068, United States.
Introduction:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping spinal care, transitioning from experimental algorithms to operational tools embedded in clinical workflows. This narrative review explores the evolving role of AI across the spine care continuum, including diagnostic imaging, surgical planning, intraoperative navigation, predictive analytics, and digital therapeutics.
Methods:
Using a mixed-methods approach, we synthesized insights from peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, press releases, and grey sources published between 2017 and 2025.
Results:
AI-enabled imaging platforms now assist in detecting spinal pathologies and extracting quantitative metrics such as disc heights and Cobb angles, improving diagnostic consistency and reducing inter-rater variability. In surgical planning, decision-support systems and robotics-integrated platforms offer personalized guidance and enhanced precision. Intraoperative tools using 2D-3D fusion and volumetric reconstruction are enabling hardware-light navigation, particularly in ambulatory settings. Predictive models for survival, reoperation risk, and patient-reported outcomes are emerging, though external validation remains limited.Digital therapeutics and wearable technologies are expanding the reach of spine care beyond the clinic, offering scalable solutions for rehabilitation and postoperative monitoring. Meanwhile, regulatory and legal frameworks are evolving to address transparency, data governance, and intellectual property concerns. Recent FDA guidance and landmark legal cases underscore the need for disciplined collaboration and responsible deployment.
Conclusions:
AI in spine care is no longer theoretical and is operational. Its integration promises enhanced precision, efficiency, and personalization, but also demands rigorous validation and ethical oversight. This review highlights the multifaceted impact of AI and calls for continued alignment between clinicians, developers, and regulators to ensure safe, equitable, and sustainable innovation.
