Enhancing Orthopedic Surgical Training With Interactive Photorealistic 3D Visualization

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that interactive photorealistic 3D visualization significantly enhances orthopedic surgical training, improving spatial awareness, tool placement, and reducing task times compared to traditional 2D videos.

Contribution

Introduces and evaluates a novel interactive photorealistic 3D visualization tool for orthopedic training, showing its effectiveness over static learning materials.

Findings

Significant improvement in training scores with 3D visualization

Residents and experienced users benefit more from the tool

Reduced task completion times in the simulation

Abstract

Surgical training integrates several years of didactic learning, simulation, mentorship, and hands-on experience. Challenges include stress, technical demands, and new technologies. Orthopedic education often uses static materials like books, images, and videos, lacking interactivity. This study compares a new interactive photorealistic 3D visualization to 2D videos for learning total hip arthroplasty. In a randomized controlled trial, participants (students and residents) were evaluated on spatial awareness, tool placement, and task times in a simulation. Results show that interactive photorealistic 3D visualization significantly improved scores, with residents and those with prior 3D experience performing better. These results emphasize the potential of the interactive photorealistic 3D visualization to enhance orthopedic training.