[Clinical practice guidelines for the application of intelligent technology in spinal surgery (2026 edition)].

In response to the challenges of insufficient precision and limited safety associated with traditional techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of complex spinal diseases, intelligent technologies-represented by 3D visualization, additive manufacturing (3D printing), surgical navigation and robotics, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine-are driving spine surgery into a new era of precision and personalized treatment. However, there is currently a lack of standardized protocols or guidelines for the clinical application of these intelligent technologies in spine surgery. To standardize and promote their clinical use, this guideline was developed through an initiative led by the Spinal Trauma Group of the Chinese Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (CAOS) and the Intelligent Orthopaedics Group of CAOS, in collaboration with Shaanxi Medical Doctor Association Professional Committee on Orthopaedic Minimally Invasive Surgery. Multidisciplinary experts participated, formulating recommendations based on evidence-based medicine and multi-center Delphi expert consensus. This guideline systematically summarizes the application scope of intelligent technologies in spine surgery, covering six aspects: 3D visualization, 3D printing, surgical navigation and robotics, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and the implementation of intelligent technologies. It finally forms 15 recommendations, clarifies the applicable scenarios, evidence levels, and recommendation strength for each technology, and aims to promote their scientific, standardized, and efficient application, provide practical suggestions for medical institutions at different levels, and ultimately enhance the overall clinical diagnosis and treatment level and clinical decision-making support capacity in spine surgery.