March 2025

NEUROSCIENCES

THE FUTURE OF SPINE SURGERY AND AUGMENTED REALITY

1 minute read

The integration of augmented reality (AR) technology into surgical practices may offer a range of potential benefits for both clinicians and patients. Najib El Tecle, MD shares key insights into the future of AR in spine surgery.

Key Takeaways
  • Developments in AR technology could revolutionize surgical practices, enhancing patient care and outcomes in the long term.
  • Initial findings reveal that it does not improve or worsen outcomes compared to surgeries performed without AR.

3 Potential Benefits of AR in Surgery
  • Cognitive load reduction: AR displays imaging data directly within surgeons’ field of vision. This allows them to focus on the procedure itself and reduces the need to switch their attention between the patient and external imaging displays.
  • Better visualization: AR can project critical anatomical structures onto the surgical field. This could help surgeons navigate complex areas and avoid damaging structures. This capability may signify a step toward safer surgical practices.
  • Educational benefits: AR technology provides a real-time perspective of ongoing surgical procedures, letting residents observe techniques and decision-making processes firsthand. It also enables the attending surgeons to monitor and guide students during the procedure, enhancing the student’s learning experience and contributing to a safer training environment.

​Future Implications
Although scientists are still exploring the full benefits of AR in surgical practice, the initial use of this technology offers a glimpse of a future where surgical procedures can be made safer and less taxing for surgeons.
 
Read about a recent case that used AR in spine surgery for scoliosis and flat back deformity. 
Najib El Tecle, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern Medicine

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