Maybe you’ve tried Apple’s Vision Pro AR and seen how it blends digital images with the real world. Now, imagine that same technology transforming spine surgery.
OrthoIndy is one of the first orthopedic practices in the world to adopt augmented reality technology to get a clearer, more detailed view of the spine in real time. This means greater precision, smaller incisions and faster recovery times.
This technology elevates safety and improves outcomes by revolutionizing the way surgeons plan and perform procedures.
“With augmented reality, I can now plan my surgery in detail before even stepping into the operating room,” says Dr. Greg Poulter, OrthoIndy spine surgeon. “I load a patient’s X-rays, MRIs or CT scans into a computer system, map out the procedure and solve any potential challenges ahead of time,” he explains. “Then, during surgery, I can see the patient’s spine through AR goggles, allowing me to work through a 1 cm incision to do the same surgery as if I had an incision that was a foot long.”
How augmented reality works
By overlaying digital imaging onto real-time visuals, AR provides a detailed, three-dimensional view of the spine without the need for large incisions, offering several key benefits:
- Enhanced accuracy: AR allows for precise placement of implants and instrumentation.
- Smaller incisions: surgeons work through tiny openings instead of large cuts which means less pain, quicker recovery and reduced scaring.
- Reduced surgical risks: less disruption to muscles and surrounding tissues leads to fewer complications.
- Faster recovery: patients experience less pain and a quicker return to normal activities.
These innovations have helped to calm long-standing fears about spine surgery and have made complex procedures safer and more effective.
Conditions treated with AR-guided surgery include:
- Spinal fusions: improved accuracy in placing screws and implants.
- Herniated discs: targeted precision when removing damaged disc material.
- Spinal stenosis: enhanced visualization to relieve nerve compression.
- Cervical and thoracic procedures: expanded applications beyond the lower back.
- Pedicle screw placement: more precise screw positioning for spinal stabilization.
- Tumor resection: improved visualization and accuracy in removing spinal tumors.
- Deformity correction: enhanced planning and execution for scoliosis and kyphosis surgeries.
Advanced spine care – our commitment to you
Our fellowship-trained physicians are dedicated to using the latest enabling technologies to improve patient outcomes and innovations such as augmented reality, robotics and artificial intelligence help us do just that.
Beyond technology, we want you to feel informed and confident about your spine care journey.
If you’re struggling with chronic back pain, our comprehensive team of surgical and non-surgical specialists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Whether surgery is needed or not, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule an appointment today by calling 317.802.2000 and take the first step toward relief.
