Innovative Pedicle Screw Insertion with Mixed Reality Technology Improves Insertion Accuracy in Spinal Surgery

The accuracy of pedicle screw insertion in pediatric scoliosis correction surgery using augmented reality technology in combination with a conventional navigation system was evaluated, and its usefulness was verified. A retrospective study of patients who underwent mixed reality technology-assisted posterior scoliosis correction and fixation was conducted. In total, 361 pedicle screws inserted with a mixed reality technology-assisted navigation system were analyzed; 25 pedicle screws (6.9%) showed Rao Classification Grade 1 deviation, whereas 0.83% showed Rao Classification Grade 2.3 deviation, which is a clinical deviation. In terms of the relationship between the rotation of the vertebral body and the deviation of the pedicle screw, the pedicle screw tended to deviate more easily when it was necessary to insert the pedicle screw in a more strongly oblique position due to the rotation of the vertebral body. The results suggest that the pedicle screw insertion accuracy with augmented reality technology may be superior to that with conventional navigation alone in scoliosis correction and fusion surgery for scoliosis in children. This system is expected to become a standard support tool for spine surgery and will contribute to improving the success rate of surgery and reducing the burden on the surgeon.