UConn Health

April 24, 2025 | Addison Duquette

Dr. Hilary Onyiuke Among ‘Elite 8’ in Augmented Reality Spine Surgery

Appointed to National Technical Board for Augmedics xvision® Spine System

Dr. HIlary Onyiuke portrait

Dr. Hilary Onyiuke, the founder and co-director of UConn Health's Comprehensive Spine Center, is among an elite group of spine surgeons in the country named to Augmedics’ National Technical Board. He has performed more than 500 of the first 10,000 cases using Augmedics’ augmented reality technology. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health)

Dr. Hilary Onyiuke, the neurosurgeon who founded the UConn Health’s Comprehensive Spine Center and now codirects it, has been appointed to the National Technical Board of Augmedics, the medical technology company behind the xvision® Spine System.

surgeons performing augmented reality spine procedure, with image depicting their field of vision superimposed
(Image provided by Augmedics)

The xvision® Spine System is a groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) navigation platform that enables surgeons to visualize a patient’s anatomy in 3D through a specialized headset — without ever taking their eyes off the patient. Unlike traditional systems that require surgeons to glance between the surgical site and a separate monitor, xvision projects critical information directly into the surgeon’s field of view. This enables real-time guidance for accurate placement of implants and instruments during complex spine procedures.

The system’s optical tracking and intuitive interface enhance precision, reduce intraoperative time, and minimize radiation exposure by reducing reliance on intraoperative fluoroscopy. It also supports freehand instrumentation, offering greater flexibility while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

Over the past 18 months, Onyiuke has performed over 500 cases using xvision, developing a deep familiarity with its capabilities and limitations. His expertise and hands-on experience with the system played a key role in his selection to the National Technical Board, which includes only eight of the top surgeons from across the country.

Prior to using xvision, Onyiuke was trained on robotic-assisted spine surgery systems. While robotics remains a valuable tool in the operating room, he notes that xvision offers a simpler, faster, and more adaptable approach with fewer workflow disruptions. He emphasizes that the technology puts control back in the surgeon’s hands — literally — while enhancing visibility and confidence during delicate spinal procedures.

augmented reality image of surgical instrument and spine
Surgeons see an augmented reality image of the anatomy in their field of vision while using xvision to perform spine surgery. (Image provided by Augmedics)

UConn Health is unique because the adoption of xvision isn’t limited to a single provider. All spine surgeons at UConn Health now utilize the xvision system in their surgical practice. The universal embrace of this technology has not only improved surgical workflow and outcomes but also positioned UConn Health as a regional referral center for advanced spine care.

Surgeons report smoother intraoperative experiences, faster decision-making, and improved outcomes for complex spine cases. Patients are also benefiting, especially those referred from outside institutions seeking treatment made possible by this leading-edge platform.

Onyiuke is a professor of neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery and is vice chair of UConn Health’s Department of Neurosurgery.

Augmedics recently celebrated its 10,000th xvision case, which was performed by Dr. Isaac Moss at UConn Health Wednesday.

Learn more about the UConn Health Comprehensive Spine Center, or call 860-679-6662 for a consultation.