Augmented visualization in spine surgery – first experiences

Augmented reality is the next step in the integration of stereotactic navigation into spinal surgery. There are  many potentially beneficial applications of augmented reality in spinal surgery. We will discuss here the use of  augmented reality to improve the workflow and accuracy of spinal tumor surgery. We have also successfully  integrated it for the use of Minimal Invasive Surgery (MIS) Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) surgery to streamline workflow and as a tool to teach and train surgeons.   As  we become more comfortable using stereotactic navigation, augmented reality will increasingly become  essential in performing spine surgery less invasively and with high accuracy.