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The use of Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in orthopedics will profoundly impact the industry’s future. Our latest infographic looks at the who, what, when, where and how of the technology in orthopedics today.
Infographic sponsored by Intech
Universities, hospital systems and device companies have adopted VR. They’re using it to train and assess medical students, surgeons and O.R. staff on surgical techniques and new products. VR technology is also advancing to allow surgeons to plan their surgeries using in a virtual experience.
AR is in more of an infancy state than VR in orthopedics. However, companies are developing technology to allow surgeons to plan and then perform their surgeries using AR.
Dozens of companies are developing VR and AR products. It’s likely that these companies will partner with or license their products to traditional device companies. Then, device companies will pair their own implants, instruments and enabling technologies with the VR and AR tools. As tech and software companies advance their VR and AR solutions, we should expect that mixed reality — essentially a cross between VR and AR — will enter orthopedics.
“Medicine and surgery are historically somewhat conservative when it comes to technology, given the high risks we undertake as surgeons. However, we’ve recently seen a shift in the fundamental dynamics of day-to-day patient care. The technology solutions are becoming undeniably effective, sometimes ten times better than traditional care,” Justin Barad, M.D., Founder and CEO of Osso VR told us last year. “There is a growing comfort with technology given its ubiquitous nature in our lives.”
