Enhancing pedicle screw placement training with a visual tracking guide template in augmented reality navigation.

Area of Science:

• Surgical simulation
• Augmented reality applications
• Medical training technologies

Background:

• Pedicle screw placement is a critical spinal procedure requiring high precision.
• Traditional training methods may not fully replicate the complexities of surgical navigation.
• Augmented reality (AR) offers potential for enhanced surgical guidance and training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a prototype visual tracking guide template (VTGT) for AR navigation.
• To assess the initial feasibility of VTGT-based AR navigation for surgical training.
• To evaluate the effectiveness in a simulated pedicle screw placement exercise.

Main Methods:

• Junior residents utilized AR devices with the VTGT for simulated pedicle screw placement on spine models.
• Navigation accuracy was quantified by measuring deviation in entry point (DVEP) and trajectory angle (DVTA).
• Clinical feasibility and safety were assessed via operation time, user experience, and the Gertzbein-Robbins scale.

Main Results:

• The study involved five junior residents placing 100 K-wires with an average time of 36.4 seconds per K-wire.
• Average user experience score was high at 87.8 points.
• Navigation errors were DVEP of 2.20 mm ± 0.55 mm and DVTA of 2.30° ± 0.78°, with all placements meeting clinical safety standards.

Conclusions:

• The VTGT-based AR navigation technology is demonstrated as feasible and beneficial for training.
• This technology can enhance the learning curve for junior residents in pedicle screw placement.
• VTGT offers a promising tool for improving surgical simulation and training outcomes.