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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Jun;144(6):2631-2639.
doi: 10.1007/s00402-024-05348-9. Epub 2024 May 4.

Comparison of virtual reality and computed tomography in the preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures

Christian Colcuc  1 , Marco Miersbach  1 , Miguel Cienfuegos  2 , Niklas Grüneweller  1 , Thomas Vordemvenne  1 , Dirk Wähnert  3
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Comparison of virtual reality and computed tomography in the preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures

Christian Colcuc et al. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Introduction: Preoperative planning is a critical step in the success of any complex surgery. The pur-pose of this study is to evaluate the advantage of VR glasses in surgical planning of complex tibial plateau fractures compared to CT planning.

Materials and methods: Five orthopedic surgeons performed preoperative planning for 30 fractures using either conventional CT slices or VR visualization with a VR headset. Planning was performed in a randomized order with a 3-month interval between planning sessions. A standardized questionnaire assessed planned operative time, planning time, fracture classification and understanding, and surgeons' subjective confidence in surgical planning.

Results: The mean planned operative time of 156 (SD 47) minutes was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the VR group than in the CT group (172 min; SD 44). The mean planning time in the VR group was 3.48 min (SD 2.4), 17% longer than in the CT group (2.98 min, SD 1.9; p = 0.027). Relevant parameters influencing planning time were surgeon experience (-0.61 min) and estimated complexity of fracture treatment (+ 0.65 min).

Conclusion: The use of virtual reality for surgical planning of complex tibial plateau fractures resulted in significantly shorter planned operative time, while planning time was longer compared to CT planning. After VR planning, more surgeons felt (very) well prepared for surgery.

Keywords: Preoperative planning; Tibia plateau fracture; Virtual reality.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
(A) Example of segmentation of a 3D model of a complex proximal tibia fracture. The yellow area represents the bone selected by the boundaries. (B) Final 3D model in 3 views
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Box plots of planned operating time in the VR and CT groups
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The graph shows surgeon satisfaction with preoperative planning in the VR and CT groups
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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