X-ray vision: the accuracy and repeatability of a technology that allows clinicians to see spinal X-rays superimposed on a person's back

OBJECTIVE: Since the discovery of ionizing radiation, clinicians have evaluated X-ray images separately from the patient. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy and repeatability of a new technology which seeks to resolve this historic limitation by projecting anatomically correct X-ray images on to a person’s skin. METHODS: A total of 13 participants enrolled in the study, each having a pre-existing anteroposterior lumbar X-ray. Each participant’s image was uploaded into the Hololens Mixed reality system which when worn, allowed a single examiner to view a participant’s own X-ray superimposed on the participant’s back. The projected image was topographically corrected using depth information obtained by the Hololens system then aligned via existing anatomic landmarks. Using this superimposed image, vertebral levels were identified and validated against spinous process locations obtained by ultrasound. This process was repeated 1–5 days later. The projection of each vertebra was deemed to be “on-target” if it fell within the known morphological dimensions of the spinous process for that specific vertebral level. RESULTS: The projection system created on-target projections with respect to individual vertebral levels 73% of the time with no significant difference seen between testing sessions. The average repeatability for all vertebral levels between testing sessions was 77%. CONCLUSION: These accuracy and repeatability data suggest that the accuracy and repeatability of projecting X-rays directly on to the skin is feasible for identifying underlying anatomy and as such, has potential to place radiological evaluation within the patient context. Future opportunities to improve this procedure will focus on mitigating potential sources of error.