Turkish Neurosurgery
Use of 3- Dimensional Modeling and Virtual Reality in the Education of Posterior Spinal Instrumentation
Mehmet Yigit Akgun1, Oguz Baran1, Efe Ogretmen2, Ege Anil Ucar2, Tunc Oktenoglu1, Goktug Akyoldas 1, Ali Fahir Ozer1, Ozkan Ates1
1Koc University Hospital, Neurosurgery, Istanbul,
2Koc University, School of Medicine, Istanbul,
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.46204-24.1

Aim:Instrumentation of the deformed spine with the pedicular screw is a challenging procedure. The instruments utilized in spine surgery poses considerable risks for vital structures. Better understanding of the 3D anatomy and frequent training are the best ways for decreasing the malposition rates; therefore, increasing the surgical safety. In this regard, Virtual Reality (VR) simulations provides a highly effective and safe environment for education of posterior spinal instrumentation.Material and Methods:Participants were instructed to apply Cervical-Thoracic-Lumbar and Sacral posterior instrumentation techniques using the VR. Each participant underwent a qualitative assessment of the use of the VR. Patient-specific computed tomography (CT) studies were obtained to build a whole spinal model. Bone segmentation was performed upon the CT images. The participants can easily interact with the spinal model and evaluates the outcome from all the angles.Results:A total of 63 participants who used VR stimulation as a primary application during the 4-day course were included in this study. The majority of our participants agreed with the benefit of the VR spinal instrumentation module, stating that it was useful for learning the 3D anatomy of the spinal region. Overall, according to the questionnaire and evaluations, the participants stated that this application was most beneficial in the education and preoperative planning.Conclusion:VR-based surgical training is a promising solution for surgical education, particularly for junior residents, for improving the understanding of spinal instrumentation. In addition, modelling of patient-specific CT scans on VR provides a unique opportunity for improving pre-operative planning and preventing surgical complications.

Corresponding author : Mehmet Yigit Akgun