A Comprehensive Exploration of Digital Twinning in Spine Surgery

Clin Spine Surg. 2024 Dec 4. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000001748. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

One recent innovation in the health care landscape is the integration of Digital Twin (DT) in the field of spine surgery. DT, first used in 2002 is defined as the replication of physical entities in a virtual environment. It has emerged as a transformative tool for optimizing complex systems. In this review, we delve into the intersection of DT and spine surgery, exploring how this symbiotic relationship is reshaping precision medicine. By creating virtual replicas of the spine and its intricate neural networks, surgeons gain insights into personalized patient care, preoperative planning, and postoperative analysis. This exploration tackles the potential impact of DT on neurosurgical procedures, emphasizing its role in enhancing surgical precision, improving patient outcomes, and pushing the boundaries of innovation in modern health care.