More Than Meets the (Surgeon’s) Eye

Orthopedic surgery relies on many medical imaging modalities. Each provides insights into a patient’s musculoskeletal condition so comprehensive assessments can be made. The most common ortho imaging techniques are X-ray, MRI, CT, bone scan, and ultrasound. Understanding each allows surgeons to adapt a diagnostic approach to meet specific needs.

Emerging technology merges the accessibility and affordability of traditional X-rays with advanced imaging to visualize complex structures. One result is the conversion of X-rays into 3D bone models. This advanced visualization empowers surgeons to spot subtle abnormalities and optimize implant placement.

In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are making medical image interpretation quicker and more accurate. Machine learning models can spot abnormalities that the naked eye would have a challenge detecting. AI also bolsters treatment planning by analyzing a large amount of data to recommend personalized strategies so surgeons can offer the most effective interventions tailored to individual needs.

With that in mind, let’s explore some of the latest imaging and visualization innovations at the forefront of orthopedic surgery.

ImmersiveTouch obtained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its ImmersiveAR augmented reality (AR) tech platform for clinical use in early July.

The ImmersiveAR software lets surgeons visualize and interact with 3D virtual surgical plans that are overlaid in the operating room setting. That way, they can double-check planned movements and reduce the need for intra-operative trial and error.

It’s an extension of the company’s AI-powered suite of virtual surgical planning, which aims to improve craniomaxillofacial surgeries, lowering the pre-operative planning time from a week to mere minutes. Using it, surgical changes to bones can be simulated to plan the final aesthetic result.

Measurements added using the company’s virtual reality (VR) software during planning can be rendered visible on the hologram. MRI and/or CT data can be directly overlaid onto the holographic anatomy. Annotations and drawings can also be made during VR pre-operative planning. Using natural gestures also lets the user control the application hands-free and without hindrance, the company boasts. The company is now undergoing ImmersiveAR’s commercial rollout in the U.S.

“ImmersiveAR brings a new frontier in intraoperative 3D visualization,” said Jay Banerjee, CEO of ImmersiveTouch. “The surgical field has long relied on traditional two-dimensional imaging technology to navigate complex patient anatomy. Our platform introduces advanced holographic visualization to transform how surgeons plan and perform procedures.”

Integrated Endoscopy is working to pioneer the wireless arthroscopic surgery market. In late July, the company launched its NUVIS wireless camera system in international markets.

Its next-gen wireless communication purports to be cheaper than traditional corded cameras. Proprietary channel-hopping technology offers latency-free, secure, and reliable connectivity without reliance on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, removing the potential for cross-talk between base stations and other devices.

The camera system’s wireless base station works with corresponding heads for automatic wireless connectivity. An included tablet computer permits base station control and patient data entry, while serving as an auxiliary monitor.

NUVIS is the third leg of a “three-legged stool” that makes up the company’s wireless strategy. When married with its wireless arthroscope and wireless shaver, the wireless solution with no annual service contracts costs a fraction of a traditional video stack.

“It’s very rare that next-generation technology which greatly enhances the surgical experience also has the ability to reduce hardware costs by up to 95%,” Integrated Endoscopy CEO Brad Sharp told the press. “Even with the addition of the consumable components, we have the potential to reduce the overall cost, per surgery, by 50%.”

In the last week of July, Alphatec Spine (ATEC) revealed EOS Insight, an end-to-end spinal surgery platform powered by EOS scans and artificial intelligence (AI). The cloud-based software delivers crucial information through spine care, the company said.

EOS Insight’s AI-driven alignment evaluation feature produces level-identification, calculated measurements, parameters, and color-coded benchmarking to normative values. A surgical planning and simulation platform utilizes the patient’s 3D spine model for surgical correction with ATEC interbody implants.

EOS Insight can also be used to order, approve, and deliver patient-specific, contoured rods for both short and long construct surgery. Key coronal and sagittal parameters are enabled via full visualization of the spine, as is direct comparison to the pre-operative plan. A post-operative analytics tool creates a view of quantified, longitudinal assessment data from every stage of care.

“Unlike the plethora of duplicative ‘enabling technology’ in spine, Insight modernizes surgery, replacing archaic clinical practices to improve patient outcomes. EOS Insight positions ATEC to be the standard-bearer in spine,” said ATEC chairman and CEO Pat Miles.