Augmented reality systems can combine virtual images with a real environment to ensure accurate surgery with lower risk. This study aimed to develop a novel registration and tracking technique to establish a navigation system based on augmented reality for maxillofacial surgery. Specifically, a virtual image is reconstructed from CT data using 3D software. The real environment is tracked by the augmented reality (AR) software. The novel registration strategy that we created uses an occlusal splint compounded with a fiducial marker (OSM) to establish a relationship between the virtual image and the real object. After the fiducial marker is recognized, the virtual image is superimposed onto the real environment, forming the “integrated image” on semi-transparent glass. Via the registration process, the integral image, which combines the virtual image with the real scene, is successfully presented on the semi-transparent helmet. The position error of this navigation system is 0.96 ± 0.51 mm. This augmented reality system was applied in the clinic and good surgical outcomes were obtained. The augmented reality system that we established for maxillofacial surgery has the advantages of easy manipulation and high accuracy, which can improve surgical outcomes. Thus, this system exhibits significant potential in clinical applications.

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Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are a frequently encountered clinical problem, and like other fractures, they may develop nonunion that can often go unrecognized. The aim of this study is to review the related articles reporting the osteoporotic vertebral fracture nonunion and discuss the radiological characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Background Virtual-Reality based simulation techniques offer an efficient and low cost alternative to the conventional surgery training. This article describes a VR training and assessment system in laparoscopic rectum surgery.

Our system has been tested by colorectal surgeons who believe that the simulated tactile and visual feedbacks are realistic. It could replace the traditional training process and effectively transfer surgical skills to novices.