Systems and methods for performing intraoperative image registration

Systems and methods are provided for performing intraoperative fusion of two or more volumetric image datasets via surface-based image registration. The volumetric image datasets are separately registered with intraoperatively acquired surface data, thereby fusing the two volumetric image datasets into a common frame of reference while avoiding the need for complex and time-consuming preoperative volumetric-to-volumetric image registration and fusion. The resulting fused image data may be processed to generate one or more images for use during surgical navigation.