Augmented Reality Applications Gain Traction in Orthopedics

Augmented reality (AR) has proven to be applicable to a variety of industries and use cases over the years. What started as a military technology two decades ago has been leveraged in everything from video games to orthopedic surgeries.

The technology differs from virtual reality in that it uses the real-life physical space you are in and adds a 3-dimensional layer of tech-enabled visualization on top of it. Virtual reality, on the other hand, is a completely virtual space with a fake environment.

AR provides endless opportunities for orthopedic surgeons in the education space, pre-operative planning, live surgery and many other scenarios.

“It gives us, essentially, x-ray vision. It’s like being one of those superheroes in cartoons of old,” said Stefano Bini, M.D., University of California San Francisco. “One of the interesting things about this technology is that because it is visual, it’s actually very readily accessed.”

With the evolution of orthopedic technology from x-rays to navigation and robotics to 3D modeling, a surgeon’s ability to visualize the problem and find the right solution has benefited from incremental improvements over previous technologies.

“[With AR] you can now know exactly what the hip replacement needs to look like before you even start the procedure,” said Jonathan M. Vigdorchik, M.D., Hospital for Special Surgery. “It’s not only helpful for the complex cases, it’s also helpful for the routine cases in terms of ease of use and efficiency.”

While AR gives surgeons a powerful tool for real time assessment and navigation, it also is a time-saver and reduces variability, taking out a lot of the guesswork and exploration during a live surgery.

By | BONEZONE

Image Credit: Pixee Medical

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About Peter Coffaro 504 Articles
Peter Coffaro is a growth-driven and strategic executive with over 25 years of progressive management success in the medical device industry. With a proven track record and recognized expertise, Peter has established himself as one of the top influencers in medical sales, as acknowledged by prestigious publications such as the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com. Throughout his career, Peter has accumulated 10 years of combined sales management experience, excelling in various roles including Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. He has worked for industry-leading orthopedic companies such as Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker, solidifying his deep knowledge and network within the field. Peter’s passion for innovation and emerging technologies led him to found OrthoFeed, an award-winning blog covering digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Through this platform, he stays at the forefront of the industry and contributes to the dissemination of valuable insights. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson, demonstrating his exceptional contributions and impact on the organization. His expertise extends to areas such as organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter earned a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University, further complementing his comprehensive understanding of the medical field. With his wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to advancing healthcare, Peter Coffaro is a valuable asset and leader in the medical device industry.

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