Comparison of virtual reality and computed tomography in the preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures

TL;DR

This study compares virtual reality and CT scans for planning complex tibial plateau surgeries, finding VR reduces planned operation time but increases planning time.

Contribution

The study introduces VR as a novel tool for preoperative planning in complex tibial plateau fractures and quantifies its impact on planning and operative times.

Findings

VR planning resulted in significantly shorter planned operative time compared to CT planning.

Planning time was 17% longer with VR compared to CT.

Surgeons felt more prepared for surgery after using VR.

Abstract

Preoperative planning is a critical step in the success of any complex surgery. The pur-pose of this study is to evaluate the advantage of VR glasses in surgical planning of complex tibial plateau fractures compared to CT planning.

Five orthopedic surgeons performed preoperative planning for 30 fractures using either conventional CT slices or VR visualization with a VR headset. Planning was performed in a randomized order with a 3-month interval between planning sessions. A standardized questionnaire assessed planned operative time, planning time, fracture classification and understanding, and surgeons’ subjective confidence in surgical planning.

The mean planned operative time of 156 (SD 47) minutes was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the VR group than in the CT group (172 min; SD 44). The mean planning time in the VR group was 3.48 min (SD 2.4), 17% longer than in the CT group (2.98 min, SD 1.9; p = 0.027). Relevant parameters influencing planning time were surgeon experience (-0.61 min) and estimated complexity of fracture treatment (+ 0.65 min).

The use of virtual reality for surgical planning of complex tibial plateau fractures resulted in significantly shorter planned operative time, while planning time was longer compared to CT planning. After VR planning, more surgeons felt (very) well prepared for surgery.

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