Surgical Tool Tracking: Comparative Analysis of AR Camera, OptiTrack IR, and RealSense Depth Camera Systems

Spinal surgeries often face intraoperative complications, highlighting the need for precise tool tracking procedures. Computerized navigation greatly enhances the accuracy of placing surgical tools during these procedures, with Augmented Reality (AR) based tool tracking being one such technique gaining importance. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of three tracking methods: stereo camera-marker-based, OptiTrack IR marker-based, and RealSense Camera. The primary aim is to evaluate tool movement precision and accuracy in three dimensions. AR Camera tracking utilizes image targets, while OptiTrack relies on IR markers. The outcomes of both methods are systematically compared using distance metrics, allowing for quantitative analysis. Additionally, RealSense depth camera is used for outside-in tool tracking, providing essential depth information. This research contributes to understanding the effectiveness of these tracking systems in surgical environments. By evaluating their precision and accuracy, it facilitates the development of more reliable surgical navigation systems. This is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing intraoperative complications during spinal surgeries.