Mixed reality applications in upper extremity surgery: the future is now.

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Surgical Innovation
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Mixed reality (MR) merges virtual elements with the real environment, enabling real-time interaction.
• Advancements in head-mounted displays (HMDs) have propelled MR technology into various surgical fields.
• Upper extremity surgery benefits from MR in areas like trauma, reconstructive surgery, arthroplasty, arthroscopy, and oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the applications and potential of mixed reality in upper extremity surgery.
• To highlight MR's role in pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance.
• To discuss MR's impact on surgical communication and remote collaboration.

Main Methods:

• Review of current mixed reality technologies and their integration into surgical workflows.
• Analysis of MR applications across different subspecialties of upper extremity surgery.
• Examination of the capabilities of head-mounted displays for surgical data visualization.

Main Results:

• Mixed reality enables complex 3D pre-operative planning for intricate surgical cases.
• Surgeons can access and interact with 3D data in sterile environments during operations.
• MR facilitates enhanced communication through shared visual data and remote assistance.

Conclusions:

• Mixed reality is an emerging technology with significant potential to revolutionize surgical practice.
• MR offers powerful tools for intraoperative guidance, navigation, and real-time decision-making.
• The technology is poised to transform surgical training, collaboration, and patient care in upper extremity surgery.