Mixed Reality improves 3D visualization and spatial awareness of bone tumors in Orthopaedic Oncology: a proof of concept study

In orthopaedic oncology, computer navigation and 3D-printed guides facilitate precise osteotomies only after surgical exposure1,2. Visualizing virtual 3D models on the 2D flat screen of the computer station lacks depth perception and parallax compared to physical 3D models. Before surgeries start, it is challenging to mentally process and superimpose the virtual data onto patients’ anatomy for surgical assessment. Mixed Reality is an immersive technology merging real and virtual worlds, and users can interact with digital objects3. Through Head-Mounted Displays (HMD), surgeons directly visualize holographic models that overlay tumor patients’ anatomies in their physical environment before surgeries start. Clinical case reports of MR application are limited to spine and shoulder arthroplasty, and no data in orthopaedic oncology.