Surgeon experience of mixed reality headset technology during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicenter international case series in orthopedic surgery

Abstract

INTRODUCTION There is interest in using reality technologies within the medical sphere and specific focus within orthopedic surgery. Mixed reality (MR) is a type of reality technology that allows for a digital image to be both superimposed and controlled by the user on top of their normal visual field. Using MR headsets, surgeons can access computerbased solutions in real time; manipulate threedimensional (3D) holograms of patient anatomy, surgical planning, or implant systems; and remotely interact with colleagues. All these functions are achieved without compromising sterility and have been demonstrated successfully. Despite these successes, there has been no significant investigation into its impact on surgeon experience. Evaluating the surgeon experience of MR will be of importance in understanding how it can best be deployed and further optimized for the benefit of patients. We report on surgeon experience following an international case series of orthopedic surgeries performed using MR headset technology during the COVID19 pandemic.