Augmented Reality (AR) is transforming the field of spinal surgery by offering a cost-effective, radiation-free alternative to traditional fluoroscopy-based imaging techniques. A recent study explores the feasibility of using AR for pain management spinal surgeries, focusing on accuracy, cost savings, and enhanced safety for both patients and medical professionals.
The study highlights the development of a low-cost AR navigation system using fiducial skin markers and MRI imaging. By overlaying a 3D anatomical representation of the spine onto the patient through an AR headset, surgeons can visualize the spine in real time without relying on radiation-intensive methods like fluoroscopy.
Key findings from the study include:
- Increased Accuracy: The use of AR improved surgical precision by 40%, with the average needle deviation from the target reduced by 50%.
- Cost Savings: Compared to traditional navigation systems costing up to $600,000, the proposed AR setup is achievable with a $500 AR headset and open-source software.
- Radiation-Free: AR eliminates the risks associated with fluoroscopy, creating a safer environment for both surgeons and patients.
The study underscores the potential of AR in outpatient interventional pain practices, offering a scalable and affordable solution for small to midsized healthcare facilities. Future advancements, such as integrating convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for enhanced 3D imaging, could further refine the system's accuracy and robustness.
This innovative approach to spinal surgeries not only improves patient outcomes but also sets the stage for broader adoption of AR in minimally invasive medical procedures.
Full Text: https://www.igminresearch.com/articles/html/igmin236
PDF Link: https://www.igminresearch.com/articles/pdf/igmin236.pdf
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