Virtual Reality in Spinal Surgery: Development of an Educational Module Focused on Vertebroplasty

The objective of this project was to develop an innovative virtual reality (VR) educational module simulating the vertebroplasty procedure, aimed at providing a safe, standardized, and realistic tool for training healthcare professionals and students. A multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, educators, and software developers developed the module using Blender and Unity with the XR Interaction Toolkit. The simulation reproduces an operating room, provides virtual guidance, and includes an optional instructor supervision mode. Preliminary evaluation was conducted using a structured questionnaire with 18 items, covering usability, realism, educational value, and overall satisfaction. Preliminary evaluation involving neurosurgeons, perioperative nurses, and medical students, conducted using a structured questionnaire, indicated the module’s technical functionality and usability, and suggested its educational potential. The module offers an engaging and cost-effective approach to procedural skill acquisition, with future developments planned to incorporate artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and additional surgical scenarios.