JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Virtual and augmented reality represent a combination of current state-of-the-art computer and imaging technologies, and have the potential to be a revolutionary technology in many surgical fields. An increasing number of investigators have developed and applied virtual and augmented reality in hip-related surgery with the aim of using this technology to reduce hip surgery-related complications, improve surgical success rates, and reduce surgical risks. These technologies are beginning to be widely used in hip-related preoperative operation simulation and training, intraoperative navigation tools in the operation room, and postoperative rehabilitation.

Objective:

To review the current status of virtual and augmented reality in hip-related surgery and to summarize its benefits, we discuss and briefly describe the applicability, advantages, limitations, and future perspectives of various virtual and augmented reality techniques in hip-related surgery, such as preoperative operation simulation and training, we also explore the possible future applications of augmented reality in the operating room and discuss the bright prospects of virtual and augmented reality technologies in postoperative rehabilitation after hip surgery.

Methods:

We searched the PubMed and Web of Science databases by using the following key search terms: (“virtual reality” OR “augmented reality”) AND (“pelvis” OR “hip”). All literature which basic and clinical research related to the above key search terms, i.e., studies evaluating the key factors, challenges, or problems of virtual and augmented reality technology in hip-related surgery was collected.

Results:

40 studies and reports are included and classified into the following categories: total hip arthroplasty, hip resurfacing, femoral-neck fracture, pelvis fracture, acetabular fracture, tumor, arthroscopy, postoperative rehabilitation. Quality assessment could be performed in 30 studies. Among the clinical studies, there were 16 case series with an average score of 89 % and 1 case report, which scored 81% according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. 2 cadaveric studies scored 85% and 92% according to the QUACS scale.

Conclusions:

Virtual and augmented reality technologies hold great promise for hip-related surgeries, especially for preoperative operation simulation and training, feasibility applications in the operation room, and postoperative rehabilitation, and they have the potential to assist the orthopedic surgeon in operating more accurately, safely. More comparative studies are necessary, including data on clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness.