Johns Hopkins neurosurgeons perform novel spinal fusion using AR

Three neurosurgeons from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore reportedly performed the first spinal fusion on a living patient using augmented reality, CBS Baltimore reports.

Three things to know:

1. Timothy Witham, MD, Daniel Sciubba, MD, and Camilo Molina, MD, performed the novel procedure, which placed six pedicle screws in a patient's spine.

2. The AR system features a headset that allows for real-time projection of spinal anatomy.

3. Interest in AR has grown significantly in spine over the past decade, stemming from a desire to limit complications associated with instrumented spine surgery and improving procedural efficiency.

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