Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Pedicle Screw Placement Using an Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Display in a Porcine Model
Published on: May 24, 2024
Augmented reality through head-mounted display for navigation of baseplate component placement in reverse total
Philipp Kriechling1, Rafael Loucas2, Marios Loucas2
1Department of Orthopaedics, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. philipp.kriechling@balgrist.ch.
Background:
To achieve an optimal clinical outcome in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), accurate placement of the components is essential. The recently introduced navigation technology of augmented reality (AR) through head-mounted displays (HMD) offers a promising new approach to visualize the anatomy and navigate component positioning in various orthopedic surgeries. We hypothesized that AR through HMD is feasible, reliable, and accurate for guidewire placement in RSA baseplate positioning.
Methods:
Twelve human cadaver shoulders were scanned with computed tomography (CT) and RSA baseplate positioning was 3-D planned using dedicated software. The shoulders were prepared through a deltopectoral approach and an augmented reality hologram was superimposed using the HMD Microsoft HoloLense. The central guidewire was then navigated through the HMD to achieve the planned entry point and trajectory. Postoperatively, the shoulders were CT-scanned a second time and the deviation from the planning was calculated.
Results:
The mean deviation of the entry point was 3.5 mm ± 1.7 mm (95% CI 2.4 mm; 4.6 mm). The mean deviation of the planned trajectory was 3.8° ± 1.7° (95% CI 2.6°; 4.9°).
Conclusion:
Augmented reality seems feasible and reliable for baseplate guidewire positioning in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The achieved values were accurate.
