What is the Role of Augmented Reality (AR) in Spine Surgery?

Technological advancements have revolutionized the field of spine surgery, offering new tools and techniques to enhance surgical precision, minimize risk, and improve patient outcomes. One such innovation that holds great promise is augmented reality (AR), a technology that overlays digital information and virtual images onto the surgical field.

Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, in Torrance and Long Beach, California, is closely following augmented reality (AR) as the field continues to advance. Call his office, Brandon A. Ortega, MD, to see how he plans on incorporating augmented reality into his surgical workflow.

WHAT IS AUGMENTED REALITY (AR)
AR is a technology that blends digital elements with the physical world, allowing users to interact with virtual objects and information in real-time. In the context of spine surgery, AR can be used to create a dynamic three-dimensional representation of the patient’s anatomy, allowing surgeons to navigate surgical instruments without looking away from the surgical field.

PREOPERATIVE PLANNING
One of the primary applications of AR in spine surgery is preoperative planning. Surgeons can use AR to create virtual models of the patient’s spinal anatomy based on preoperative imaging such as CT/MRI scans. These virtual models allow surgeons to visualize the patient’s anatomy in three dimensions allowing for the identification of key and critical structures and the planning of the optimal surgical approach before entering the operating room.

INTRAOPERATIVE NAVIGATION
AR can provide surgeons with real-time, augmented views of the patient’s anatomy directly within their line of sight. By overlaying digital images and information onto the surgical field, AR technology enhances visualization and helps surgeons navigate complex anatomical structures with greater precision and accuracy. This can be particularly beneficial for procedures that involve delicate maneuvers or require precise instrument placement, such as spinal decompressions or spinal fusions.

IMPROVED SAFETY
Augmented reality has the potential to improve patient safety and outcomes by reducing the risk of surgical complications and minimizing intraoperative errors. By providing surgeons with enhanced visualization and real-time feedback, AR technology can help prevent inadvertent damage to surrounding tissues, nerves, and blood vessels, leading to safer, more precise surgical procedures and faster recovery times for patients.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS
While AR shows great promise in the field of spine surgery, there are still challenges to overcome, including technical limitations, cost considerations, and regulatory approval processes. Additionally, further research and clinical validation are needed to demonstrate the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of AR-assisted spine surgery. However, as technology continues to advance and more surgeons adopt AR tools into their practice, the role of AR in spine surgery is likely to expand, offering new opportunities to improve patient care and surgical outcomes

AR has the potential to transform the practice of spine surgery by providing surgeons with enhanced visualization, accuracy, precision, and safety during complex procedures.

For compassionate and expert care, book an appointment with Dr. Brandon A. Ortega, spine surgeon in Torrance and Long Beach, California, to see how you can potentially benefit from augmented reality (AR).