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Bone Bulletin

Abstract

Background

In 2023, it was reported that total hip arthroplasty (THA) was the main and effective surgical treatment for advanced hip osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.1 As the population ages, the number of annual THA procedures is projected to grow and reach 635,000 by the year 2030.2 As such, further improving outcomes in THA will benefit this large population. On average age for individuals who sustain a hip fracture is 80 years old and the lifetime prevalence of hip fractures is 20% in women and 10% in men.3 Fracture reduction and internal fixation or arthroplasty are often needed to treat hip fractures and end-stage osteoarthritis.3 Since the 1960s, advancements in materials, design, bioengineering, developing less invasive surgical techniques, and computer-assisted procedures have further revolutionized THA.4 Looking forward, Augmented Reality (AR) may provide an avenue to further improve several aspects of joint replacement procedures.

AR technology superimposes computer-generated images in a user’s “real world” field of vision.5 AR may play a key role in preoperative simulation, training of future surgeons, intraoperative navigation, and postoperative rehabilitation in the field of orthopedic surgery.3 Several benefits of AR are currently being investigated including increased accuracy of acetabular cup placement, less distraction from computer screens outside of the surgical field, less radiation exposure, and alternative methods of surgical training. This article discusses AR technology's potential uses and limitations in orthopedic surgery with a focus on THA.

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