NuVasive to Release VR Training for Spine Surgery

NuVasive has released a virtual reality (VR) training module for the NuVasive X360 system to complement its Clinical Professional Development (CPD) program.

In collaboration with PrecisionOS, developers of a medical-grade VR learning platform, the NuVasive X360 VR training module integrates the company's comprehensive lateral approach to single-position spine surgery, which includes XLIF, XALIF, and XFixation, into a virtual simulation of the procedural workflow. This provides surgeons, academic institutions, and sales representatives remote access to a hands-on learning experience with NuVasive's less invasive, more advanced surgical techniques. In addition, the platform provides data insights to improve how surgeons best learn and help NuVasive refine its surgical approaches.

As an award-winning medical education technology leader, PrecisionOS is the only independently validated VR simulation provider on the orthopedic surgery market. Multiple Level 1 publications demonstrate that the PrecisionOS technology can differentiate between expert and novice users,1 as well as accelerate learning by 400-600%.2,3 The company's approach to VR education has been proven in several randomized research controlled studies to reduce errors and enhance the knowledge of the user, creating an accelerated path to mastery.4 In a recent systematic study review, the Journal of Spine Surgery found improvement in both a surgeon's technical skills and patient outcomes.5,6

"This first-of-its-kind module for single-position spine surgery provides an advanced and immersive experience for learners, offering the opportunity to garner precision and detail to safely utilize this surgical approach and improve patient outcomes," said Danny Goel, MD, PrecisionOS founder, CEO, and orthopedic surgeon.

1 Feeley A, Feeley I, Merghani K, et al. A pilot study to evaluate the face and construct validity of an orthopaedic virtual reality simulator. Injury 2021;52(7):1715-20.

2 Lohre R, Bois AJ, Athwal GS, et al. Improved complex skill acquisition by immersive virtual reality training: A randomized controlled trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2020;102(6):e26.

3 Lohre R, Bois AJ, Pollock JW, et al. Effectiveness of immersive virtual reality on orthopedic surgical skills and knowledge acquisition among senior surgical residents: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open 2020;3(12):e2031217.

4 Lohre R, Warner J, Morrey B, et al. Mitigating surgical skill decay in orthopaedics using virtual simulation learning J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev 2021;5(10).

5 Lohre R, Wang JC, Lewandrowski KU, et al. Virtual reality in spinal endoscopy: a paradigm shift in education to support spine surgeons. J Spine Surg 2020;6(Suppl 1):S208-S223.

6 Lohre R, Wang J, Kim JS, et al. Immersive virtual reality in endoscopic and open spine surgical training. In Kim JS, ed. Technical Advances in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Navigation, Robotics and Augmented and Virtual Reality. Singapore: Springer Nature; 2021 (in press)