Orthopaedic Surgery with Artificial Intelligence & Mixed Reality

Historically, orthopedic surgeons have always been prompt to embrace new technology, while relying on traditional methods of clinical examination and surgical craftsmanship. The use of artificial intelligence and mixed reality, especially, in the domain of orthopedic surgery, in recent times has revolutionized pre-operative planning, surgical precision, patient outcomes and rehabilitation.

Some of the examples of use of technology in orthopedic surgery are the use of 3D printing for bone defects and deformities, PSI or patient specific instrumentation and robotic surgery in joint replacement and mixed reality for surgical planning for complex fractures and revision arthroplasty surgery.

Mixed reality is the use of a “mix” of virtual computer-generated environment and “real” physical environment, to guide the most intricate surgical maneuvers in the operating room, during the actual surgery. The patient’s data and radiological imaging information are fed into the computer prior to the surgery and the entire surgery is planned and executed, even before actually entering the operation theatre. This ground breaking tool involves wearing a specially designed headset or mixed reality glasses that projects a 3D-digital hologram of the patient’s actual anatomy and metal implants to be used, on the surgical field during the surgery. This navigation, gives surgeons the “third eye” x-ray vision to plan and execute the surgery accurately and avoid many potential complications of a complex surgery. It also guarantees better results for the patient by reducing variability during surgeries and ensuring that correct actions are repeated every time. This computer-aided technology is not only low-cost compared to robotic surgery, but also, efficient as it uses simple verbal commands and hand gestures to operate the 3D-digital holograms and helps remotely interact with colleagues without compromising sterility. Presently, the technology is being used in complex surgeries like joint fractures, joint replacement surgeries and revision arthroplasty and spine surgeries.

Mixed reality has tremendous possibilities in the future as it helps the orthopedic surgeon to be in full control by providing real time intra-operative guidance on implant position and bone preparation and navigates during the surgery to be fast and accurate at the same time.

Although both artificial intelligence and robotics provide accurate data analysis and improve patient outcomes, eventually, orthopedic surgery will evolve and change from using robotics to using artificial intelligence and mixed reality.

Dr. Ajay Singh Thakur

Consultant Sports Medicine & Arthoscopy Surgeon, Star Hospitals

For Appointments, Call: 040 4477 7700