The Use of Extended Reality to Improve Upper Extremity Surgical Training and Shorten the Learning Curve

Extended reality technologies, which encompass virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, have the potential to transform surgeon training and performance to shorten the learning curve. Virtual reality through immersive simulation and nonimmersive planning software can substantially improve readiness for a surgery by improving procedural memory and creating opportunities for errors in a safe environment. Augmented and mixed realities can elevate surgeon performance and efficiency by providing high-quality relevant information to the surgeon in real-time and help avoid errors in a real patient.