Augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) are revolutionizing foot and ankle surgery by enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes. These technologies overlay digital information onto the real surgical field, providing surgeons with enhanced visualization capabilities during complex procedures.
In foot and ankle surgery, AR systems can display 3D anatomical models, pre-operative imaging data, and surgical planning information directly onto the patient's anatomy in real-time. This allows surgeons to visualize bone structures, joint alignments, and soft tissue relationships with unprecedented clarity, particularly valuable in procedures involving fracture reduction, arthrodesis, and deformity correction.
Key applications include trauma surgery, where AR helps identify optimal screw placement and reduction techniques, and elective procedures like bunion correction or ankle replacement, where precise alignment is crucial. The technology enables real-time comparison between pre-operative plans and intraoperative reality, reducing surgical time and improving accuracy.
