Orthopedic surgeons often rely on precise drilling techniques to ensure the success of various procedures, from placing screws in pelvic fractures to guiding pin insertions for joint replacements. However, improper use of surgical power tools can lead to inaccuracies and potentially harm nearby tissues. Researchers have now developed a novel approach using augmented reality (AR) technology to significantly improve the accuracy of orthopedic drilling procedures. This breakthrough could have far-reaching implications for patient safety and surgical outcomes in the field of orthopedics.
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Improving Accuracy in Orthopedic Drilling
Accurate drilling is crucial in numerous orthopedic and traumatology procedures, such as placing replacement’>implant positioning in joint replacements, and positioning printing’>3D-printed guides. However, these approaches have their own limitations, such as relying on the surgeon’s experience, being time-consuming and expensive, or lacking the necessary precision.
Augmented Reality to the Rescue
In a recent study, researchers from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel) in Belgium evaluated a novel approach using augmented reality (AR) technology to improve the accuracy of orthopedic drilling procedures.
The researchers developed a software workflow for AR-guided drilling on the realityinsurgery’>AR in surgery continues to evolve, this study opens up exciting possibilities for the future of orthopedic care. By leveraging the power of AR, surgeons may be able to achieve unprecedented levels of accuracy and precision, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and a brighter future in the field of orthopedics.
Author credit: This article is based on research by Frederick Van Gestel, Fiene Van Aerschot, Taylor Frantz, Anouk Verhellen, Kurt Barbé, Bart Jansen, Jef Vandemeulebroucke, Johnny Duerinck, Thierry Scheerlinck.
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. They used <b>inside-out infrared tracking</b> to accurately track the position and orientation of the surgical drill and the wooden log model being drilled.</p>
<p><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://famefreq.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1729849313_41598_2024_76132_Fig1_HTML.png" alt="figure 1" class="wp-image-1" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fig. 1</figcaption></figure>
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<p>During the experiment, 18 participants with varying levels of experience (students, trainees, and expert orthopedic surgeons) were asked to drill 12 trajectories in wooden logs using three different techniques: freehand drilling, proprioception-guided drilling, and AR-guided drilling.</p>
<p><h3>Impressive Results with AR Guidance</h3>
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<p>The results of the study were remarkable. The researchers found that <b>AR guidance significantly improved the accuracy of the drilling procedures, particularly for complex, oblique trajectories</b>. Compared to freehand and proprioception-guided drilling, AR-guided drilling reduced the angular error by nearly half, regardless of the participant’s level of experience.</p>
<p><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://famefreq.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1729849319_41598_2024_76132_Fig2_HTML.png" alt="figure 2" class="wp-image-2" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fig. 2</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Interestingly, the study also revealed that the experts’ performance was not significantly better than the students’ or trainees’ when using the current guidance techniques. However, when faced with the new AR guidance, the experts outperformed the other groups, highlighting the potential of this technology to benefit surgeons at all experience levels.</p>
<p><h3>Unlocking the Potential of AR in Orthopedics</h3>
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<p>The researchers believe that the improved accuracy and precision achieved with AR guidance could have significant implications for patient safety and surgical outcomes in orthopedics. By reducing the risk of inaccuracies and potential tissue damage, AR-guided drilling could lead to better surgical outcomes and faster patient recovery times.</p>
<p><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://famefreq.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1729849324_41598_2024_76132_Fig3_HTML.png" alt="figure 3" class="wp-image-3" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fig. 3</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Furthermore, the use of <b>inside-out infrared tracking</b> in the AR system allows for a more compact and portable setup, making it more practical for use in the operating room compared to traditional navigation systems. This could pave the way for wider adoption of AR technology in orthopedic procedures, potentially revolutionizing the way surgeons approach complex drilling tasks.</p>
<p><h3>Towards a Brighter Future in Orthopedics</h3>
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<p>While the study was conducted using a simple wooden log model, the researchers believe that the benefits of AR guidance will translate to more complex, anatomical scenarios. They plan to further validate the technology in clinical settings, including testing on anatomical specimens and comparing its performance to gold-standard navigation solutions.</p>
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