A Self-Developed Mobility Augmented Reality System Versus Conventional X-rays for Spine Positioning in Intraspinal Tumor Surgery: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a self-developed mobile augmented reality navigation system (MARNS) in guiding spinal level positioning during intraspinal tumor surgery based on a dual-error theory. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with intraspinal tumors admitted to Fujian Provincial Hospital between May and November 2023. The participants were divided into conventional x-rays and self-developed MARNS groups according to the localization methods they received. Position time, length of intraoperative incision variation, and location accuracy were systematically compared. Results: A total of 41 patients (19 males) with intraspinal tumors were included, and MARNS was applied to 21 patients. MARNS achieved successful lesion localization in all patients with an error of 0.38 ± 0.12 cm. Compared to x-rays, MARNS significantly reduced positioning time (129.00 ± 13.03 seconds vs. 365.00 ± 60.43 seconds, p < 0.001) and length of intraoperative incision variation (0.14 cm vs. 0.67 cm, p = 0.009). Conclusion: The self-developed MARNS, based on augmented reality technology for lesion visualization and perpendicular projection, offers a radiation-free complement to conventional x-rays.