Abstract
Simulation for surgical training is increasingly being considered a valuable addition to traditional teaching methods. 3D-printed physical simulators can be used for preoperative planning and rehearsal in spine surgery to improve surgical workflows and postoperative patient outcomes. This paper proposes an innovative strategy to build a hybrid simulation platform for training of pedicle screws fixation: the proposed method combines 3D-printed patient-specific spine models with augmented reality functionalities and virtual X-ray visualization, thus avoiding any exposure to harmful radiation during the simulation. Software functionalities are implemented by using a low-cost tracking strategy based on fiducial marker detection. Quantitative tests demonstrate the accuracy of the method to track the vertebral model and surgical tools, and to coherently visualize them in either the augmented reality or virtual fluoroscopic modalities. The obtained results encourage further research and clinical validation towards the use of the simulator as an effective tool for training in pedicle screws insertion in lumbar vertebrae.
Highlights
Simulation is becoming an essential part of surgical training as it allows for repetitive practice in a safe controlled environment whose complexity can be tailored to the trainee’s expertise level and needs
The target visualization errors were estimated for each spine pose for a total of: 40 measurements for the lateral camera, CamLat (4 markers detected in each of the 10 images); and 80 measurements for the top camera, CamTop (8 markers detected in each of the 10 images)
“high-tech” multimodal simulators allowing the trainees to develop visuospatial awareness of the anatomy and a “sense of touch” for surgical procedures. Starting from these considerations, in a previous study we have presented a hybrid simulator for open orthopedic surgery using the Microsoft HoloLens [14]
Summary
Simulation is becoming an essential part of surgical training as it allows for repetitive practice in a safe controlled environment whose complexity can be tailored to the trainee’s expertise level and needs. The risk of misplacement, which is exacerbated by the complexity of the anatomy (e.g., deformity of the spine together with dysplastic anatomy) can be very high, literature studies report an error rate of 10–40% [2,3]. This leads to the need of enriching traditional educational methods, largely based on the Halstedian model “see one, do one, teach one” [4], with surgical training sessions outside the operating theatre. Cadavers are an effective medium for teaching surgical skill outside the operating room due to their realism [5]; their availability may be limited and their use has ethical, legal, and cost implications [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
