Objective: This study aimed to develop an augmented reality (AR)-based system for spine surgical training that enables precise alignment of physical and virtual models and provides real-time feedback for depth perception using Unity and the Vuforia Engine. Methods: The system uses Vuforia’s Model Target to track and superimpose a virtual spine model onto a 3-dimensional-printed spine model without the need for external markers. The alignment accuracy was measured using positional and rotational error calculations via Unity’s built-in functions. The tool tracking was performed for the pedicle screw driver using ArUco markers. Results: The system achieved precise superimposition with minimal positional and rotational misalignment errors. Unity's tracking and real-time feedback ensured robust performance of the system. The system also achieved real-time tool tracking and superimposition of the real and virtual models of the tool. The system successfully demonstrated its ability to maintain spatial accuracy and provide immersive visual guidance, critical for spine surgical training. Conclusion The developed AR-based system presents a cost-effective and markerless solution for enhancing depth perception and alignment accuracy in spinal surgical education. It is suitable for use in resource-limited settings due to its reliance on widely accessible hardware and software, with potential future enhancements including real patient data and automated feedback mechanisms.

Background: Oral cavity cancers, the second most common type in India, are responsible for 10% of the overall cancer burden. With a recurrence rate of 30% to 40% and a 5-year survival rate of 50%, these malignancies account for substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in treatment modalities, survival rates following treatment completion have not improved significantly. The present study aimed to establish specific epidemiological and pathological factors responsible for recurrence after treatment completion in buccal mucosa cancers. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the data of 116 patients treated for biopsy-proven cancers of the buccal mucosa was undertaken 1 year after treatment completion. Factors such as age, sex, education, lymphovascular invasion, extranodal extension (ENE), perineural invasion, depth of invasion, and pathological margin status were compared between patients who presented with recurrence and those who did not. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. Results: Of the 116 patients, 40 (34.5%) developed a recurrent disease within 1 year. The mean age of the study population was 43.3 years, and males constituted 91.4% of the included patients. Ipsilateral buccal mucosa was the commonest site of disease recurrence. Neck node metastasis, ENE, and margins of resection < 5 mm were significantly related to the recurrence of disease. However, surprisingly, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and depth of invasion > 10 mm did not show statistically significant associations. Conclusion Neck node metastasis, ENE, and margins of resection < 5 mm were the histopathological factors associated with recurrence in cancers of the buccal mucosa.