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What type of technology is utilized in orthopedic surgery depends on specific needs. The most crucial concept to retain is that most of these technologies may be integrated, making them genuinely valuable.
FREMONT, CA: Orthopedic technology is a comprehensive concept in which technology is employed to support the clinical practice of orthopedic healthcare practitioners. Although this is not (yet) a coined name, it contains numerous notions.
Artificial Intelligence in Ortho: Smarter Surgical Planning
By combining technology and surgical expertise, physicians can save time and enhance patient care. Before ever entering the surgery room, these steps must be completed.
Orthopedic surgeons can upload a patient's image into a 2D or 3D planning environment when artificial intelligence is applied to preoperative surgery. Thus, taking full advantage of the evolution of medical imaging.
After acquiring patient photos, it is possible to apply technologies such as automatic bone segmentation and digital templating.
Thanks to AI algorithms, it is possible to autonomously arrange treatments such as a knee osteotomy in less than 10 seconds or determine the most appropriate template for prosthetic surgeries such as arthroplasties.
The template is selected based on the surgical planning measures and positioned in the optimal location.
Bringing Orthopedic Technology to Smartphones Via Medical Applications
With the advent of smartphones, tablets, and wearables, medical applications also became a reality. According to studies, approximately 64 percent of orthopedic physicians use apps in their daily clinical practice.
Some apps include solutions for team communication, patient-specific care in real-time, and medical calculators. These are likely to be utilized by all physicians and most other healthcare professionals.
On the other hand, some solutions are more specialized; for instance, some are orthopedic support devices.
This includes the display of 3D images, which allows for more individualized patient treatment and access to reports and radiology images.
Augmented Reality in Ortho
Pokemon GO brought augmented reality (AR) to the general public, importing our cinematic conception of virtual reality. However, the technique behind it has significant orthopedic applications.
The display technology of reality mixes the actual and virtual worlds. It enables the combination of digital images or preoperative planning information with the surgeon's vision of the actual environment.
This method provides surgeons with the "x-ray vision" of Superman. Surgeons can observe portions of the patient's anatomy that are not generally visible without an x-ray machine.
AR can enhance the surgeon's vision of unexposed bones and other tissues during surgery using less intrusive procedures.
Virtual reality permits individuals to enter simulated worlds without leaving their physical surroundings. This is frequently used as preparation for certification exams. A similar strategy can be used in orthopedics and surgical environments, allowing medical professionals to rehearse before entering the operating room.
Now, researchers are using the same technique to gain detailed anatomic views in the operating room. Previously, structures such as ligaments and bones could only be observed invasively or through 2D scans. Now, 3D pictures of these structures are projected onto patients.
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