Augmented and Virtual Reality Navigation for Interventions in the Musculoskeletal System

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are cutting-edge technologies that offer advanced navigational solutions. These systems are just starting to be used in interventional radiology and the literature has been limited to pre-clinical and translational experiments. In this paper, we present a review of AR and VR for musculoskeletal interventions.

Recent Findings

Mixed reality systems have evolved from costly research systems to fully commercialized clinical instruments designed to facilitate operators in navigating complex anatomy. Studies within interventional radiology have demonstrated safety, improved accuracy, and decreased exposure to ionizing radiation.

Summary

We review the progression of mixed reality systems from their early origins in computer science through their current day surgical applications, with a special focus on landmark studies within radiologic interventions for the musculoskeletal system. We highlight the instrumentation, clinical workflow, benefits and drawbacks, and suggested future directions for the two main AR systems: head-mounted display and image-overlay.