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Review
. 2020 Dec;13(6):663-674.
doi: 10.1007/s12178-020-09667-3.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality-Translating Surgical Training into Surgical Technique

R Randall McKnight  1 , Christian A Pean  2 , J Stewart Buck  3 , John S Hwang  4   5 , Joseph R Hsu  3 , Sarah N Pierrie  6
Affiliations
Review

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality-Translating Surgical Training into Surgical Technique

R Randall McKnight et al. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: As immersive learning outside of the operating room is increasingly recognized as a valuable method of surgical training, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are increasingly utilized in orthopedic surgical training. This article reviews the evolving nature of these training tools and provides examples of their use and efficacy. The practical and ethical implications of incorporating this technology and its impact on both orthopedic surgeons and their patients are also discussed.

Recent findings: Head-mounted displays (HMDs) represent a possible adjunct to surgical accuracy and education. While the hardware is advanced, there is still much work to be done in developing software that allows for seamless, reliable, useful integration into clinical practice and training. Surgical training is changing: AR and VR will become mainstays of future training efforts. More evidence is needed to determine which training technology translates to improved clinical performance. Volatility within the HMD industry will likely delay advances in surgical training.

Keywords: Augmented reality; Medical education; Orthopedic surgery; Surgical simulation; Virtual reality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Joseph Hsu is a paid presenter or speaker for Smith & Nephew.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
ArthroSim (TolTech, Aurora, Colorado) visio-haptic knee arthroscopy simulator
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Orthoapedic AR publications since 2018 referenced in PubMed
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Vuzix M300. Simple opaque display
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
The Microsoft Hololens is an example of a head-mounted display that has been utilized in the operating room as an example of augmented reality
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
ODG R7 HMD—non-wired HMD with a semitransparent display, Android-based OS, head gestures, and voice control
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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