Current Status and Future Perspectives for Augmented Reality Navigation in Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Surgery

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) for surgical navigation is a relatively new but rapidly evolving and promising field. AR can add navigation to the surgical workflow in a more intuitive way, improving ergonomics and precision. Neurosurgery has a long tradition in computer-assisted surgical navigation and was the first discipline to use this technology to navigate interventions. Orthopedic surgery is following this path with a wide range of new use cases currently in development. In this chapter, we will describe the evolution of AR as a surgical navigation tool, focusing on application developed for neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery. Based on our own experience, we will also discuss future perspectives and the hurdles to be overcome before the widespread breakthrough of this technology.