# Augmented-reality-assisted minimally invasive quad-rod spinopelvic fixation for spinopelvic dissociation caused by pathological fracture due to extramedullary plasmacytoma: an evaluation of technique and its benefits

**Authors:** Rakesh Kumar, Kenneth T. Nguyen, Kento Yamanouchi, Venu M. Nemani, Jean-Christophe Leveque, Philip K. Louie, Rajiv K. Sethi

PMC · DOI: 10.1007/s00701-026-06818-2 · Acta Neurochirurgica · 2026-03-06

## TL;DR

This paper presents a case where augmented reality was used to assist in a complex spinal surgery, showing it can help with accurate and efficient placement of surgical hardware.

## Contribution

The first reported use of AR for a dual-iliac quad-rod construct in spinopelvic dissociation.

## Key findings

- AR-assisted minimally invasive placement of L4–L5 pedicle and bilateral iliac screws was completed without complications.
- Stable fixation was maintained at the last follow-up, suggesting AR's potential in complex spinopelvic procedures.

## Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) provides real-time three-dimensional visualization for spinal instrumentation, though its role in spinopelvic stabilization remains limited. While AR-assisted pedicle and S2 alar-iliac screw placement has been reported, AR guidance for a dual-iliac quad-rod construct in spinopelvic dissociation has not. We describe AR-assisted minimally invasive placement of L4–L5 pedicle screws and bilateral iliac screws using intraoperative three-dimensional planning. Fixation was completed without complications and remained stable at last follow-up. This case suggests AR navigation may support accurate and efficient execution of complex minimally invasive spinopelvic fixation.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** extramedullary plasmacytoma (MONDO:0002754), pathological fracture (MONDO:0043606)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** cancer (MESH:D009369), multiple myeloma (MESH:D009101), blood loss (MESH:D016063), metastatic disease (MESH:D000092182), radiculopathy (MESH:D011843), extramedullary plasmacytoma (MESH:C537514), sacral (MESH:C537221), hip pain (MESH:D010146), fracture (MESH:D050723), bowel or bladder dysfunction (MESH:D001745), spinal lesions (MESH:D013122), neurologic deficit (MESH:D009461), low back pain (MESH:D017116), plasmacytomas (MESH:D010954), infection (MESH:D007239), extramedullary soft-tissue lesions (MESH:D012983), spinopelvic dissociation (MESH:D004213), Plasma cell neoplasms (MESH:D054219), blood (MESH:D006402), spinopelvic instability (MESH:D043171), oncologic (MESH:D000072716), lytic destructive lesion (OMIM:613730), deformities (MESH:D009140), pathological fracture (MESH:D005598)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12967662/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12967662