Technological Advances in Spine Surgery: Navigation, Robotics, and Augmented Reality

Abstract

Accurate screw placement is critical to avoid vascular or neurologic complications during spine surgery and to maximize fixation for fusion and deformity correction. Computer-assisted navigation, robotic-guided spine surgery, and augmented reality surgical navigation are currently available technologies that have been developed to improve screw placement accuracy. The advent of multiple generations of new technologies within the past 3 decades has presented surgeons with a diverse array of choices when it comes to pedicle screw placement. Considerations for patient safety and optimal outcomes must be paramount when selecting a technology.

Keywords: Augmented reality; Computer-assisted navigation; Navigation; Pedicle screw; Robotics; Spine; Surgery.