Study compares robotic-assisted to augmented reality spine surgery, finds both precise and accurate
A study at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) comparing robotic-assisted navigation (RAN) to the use of augmented reality (AR) in spine surgery found that both techniques demonstrate excellent accuracy and safety for pedicle screw placement. The research was published online ahead of print in the journal Spine.
Many spinal surgeries require the use of implants called pedicle screws to stabilize the spine, and precise positioning is critical for a successful surgery.
"Compared to conventional free-hand techniques, both robotic-assisted navigation and the use of augmented reality have demonstrated superior accuracy," said Darren R. Lebl, MD, MBA, a spine surgeon and director of research at HSS, and principal investigator of the study. "Our study is the first to directly compare RAN to AR with respect to screw placement precision."
