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Updated: Oct 28, 2025
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Published on: January 2, 2020
Virtual and augmented reality for surgical training and simulation in knee arthroplasty
Graham S Goh1, Ryan Lohre2, Javad Parvizi1
1Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Background:
Immersive virtual reality (IVR), augmented reality and mixed reality form a spectrum of extended reality technology integration that has gained popularity in orthopaedics recently. This review article examines the role of extended reality technologies in knee arthroplasty.
Methods:
Existing literature on the applications of extended reality technologies in preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation were reviewed. A sample workflow of a novel IVR simulator for improving surgical training was also provided to demonstrate its utility in educating trainees on knee arthroplasty techniques.
Results:
Extended reality technologies enable the surgeon to visualise patient-specific anatomy in real-time, enhancing preoperative planning and providing intraoperative guidance. IVR technology has the potential to revolutionise modern surgical training and optimise surgical performance in a cost-efficient manner, with current evidence demonstrating favourable immediate skill acquisition and transfer.
Conclusions:
Extended reality technologies have a myriad of potential applications in orthopaedic surgery. Further research is needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of its incorporation into training programmes.
