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In this study, a novel workflow for minimally invasive pedicle screw placement using an HMD in sterile conditions is described and its accuracy evaluated. There are several scientific reports on HMD systems for cranial and spinal navigation, two of which have gained FDA approval for clinical use17,18. Other studies have shown promising results in the usability of HMDs in sterile environments19,20, as well as good accuracy in phantom and cadaver studies12,13,21. The results of the current study support the usefulness and feasibility of the workflow in a sterile environment and can serve as an important basis for the clinical introduction of the current device.
This study is distinguished by the step-by-step description of the procedure in the OR. Using an integrated navigation concept, including intraoperative CBCT and HMD, the patient registration and image overlay can be automatized to save time and effort in the OR. Once the setup is completed and the surgeons are equipped with the eye-calibrated HMD, all the other steps can be performed seamlessly. A great advantage of the pre-planning of the screw trajectories is that any deviation from the correct path can immediately be visualized and corrected.
When the planning is complete, the trajectories can be seen through the pedicles and will match the anatomical angulations of the pedicles. Any trajectories not matching the angulation of the others will become evident, and the surgeon can then correct them to facilitate the subsequent rod placement. The planned trajectories are saved, and they can then be used to assess the technical accuracy after fusion to the postoperative scans. In this context, technical accuracy is a combination of the inbound error of the navigation system and the surgeon's ability to adhere to the planned path. Importantly, the possibility to perform a confirmation CBCT allows for the intraoperative revision of any screw that, despite navigation, may be incorrectly placed.
CBCT is a well-known and widely used imaging device for intraoperative navigation and postoperative verification. CBCT provides 3D images of superior quality compared to the 2D images from a C-arm, a device commonly used in spinal surgery. The image quality and diagnostic accuracy of CBCT are comparable to conventional CT. The time requirement for the setup and sterile draping is similar to that of a standard C-arm but with much better diagnostic quality imaging22,23,24,25.
The difference in technical accuracy between the entry point and the target point is a result of the fact that the accuracy at the entry point is highly dependent on the anatomy at the chosen entry point. If the entry point is placed on a slope on the bone surface, there always is a risk of skiving26,27. When the pedicle is entered, the rigid cortical walls will guide the device, and, hence, the deviation at the target will be smaller due to there being no room for wiggling.
The HMD provides a 3D model that is rendered from the intraoperative CBCT or preoperative imaging and augmented onto the actual spine. In addition, it displays 2D images in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes, as well as a second 3D model that the surgeon can rotate and position anywhere in the virtual space, based on personal preference. Interaction with the display software is currently performed using a remote control. To use this remote control in a sterile environment, it would have to be placed in a sterile plastic bag. This is standard practice with several non-sterile handheld devices that have to be used in sterile environments. However, in a clinical environment, hand gestures or voice commands would be preferred. During navigation, virtual representations of the tracked instruments in the 2D and 3D views provide visual feedback to aid the surgeon.
The HMD itself has evolved, and the second generation of Magic Leap is lighter and has a larger field of view. The field of view is an important factor in the use of HMDs and represents one of the features that is constantly being developed further. The field of view of the Magic Leap was fully efficient for conducting this experiment and did not pose any limitations to the workflow. Each HMD has its own small computer that the surgeon needs to wear underneath their sterile gowns. The communication between the HMD and the navigation system is via Wi-Fi, and network limitations may result in latency. Despite this product being the first prototype, the current results indicate excellent clinical accuracy and submillimeter technical accuracy.
The limitations of this study are the small sample size and the porcine, cadaveric model. The possible effects of breathing and bleeding on the accuracy could not be evaluated. Although a minimally invasive technique was used, no screws were inserted. However, the screw canals were readily visible and allowed for an accurate assessment of accuracy without interference from metal artifacts.In conclusion, this paper provides a detailed description of a novel workflow for HMD AR navigation. When used for minimally invasive pedicle cannulations in a porcine model, submillimeter technical accuracy and 100% clinical accuracy could be achieved.