Augmented reality imaging technology for orthopaedic surgery

Augmented or hybrid reality is a display technique that combines the real world with the virtual world; it permits digital images or preoperative planning information to be combined with the surgeon's view of the real world. This technique gives surgeons “x-ray vision” without the use of ionizing radiation, allowing them to visualize parts of the patient's anatomy that are not typically exposed during a surgical procedure. Augmented reality can increase the surgeon's view of unexposed bones and other tissues during surgery while using less invasive techniques. These visualization devices will also allow the surgeon to view preoperatively determined locations of incisions and real-time medical images with proper spatial alignment during surgery. Augmented reality will eventually enable less invasive and minimally invasive surgical techniques that are not technologically feasible at this time. In this article, the augmented reality technique is described and illustrated, showing examples of already existing medical systems that use this display technology. Possible orthopaedic applications of augmented reality are presented as well as current research and practical issues associated with making augmented reality a commonplace tool in surgical practice.