Evaluating the Impact of Mixed-Reality Technology on Operating Room Time in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Comparative Study

TL;DR

This study found that using mixed-reality technology in hip replacement surgery did not increase the time spent in the operating room.

Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the impact of mixed-reality technology on operative time during total hip arthroplasty.

Findings

Operative time was similar between surgeries using mixed-reality and those using standard manual methods.

Mixed-reality technology did not significantly prolong the duration of total hip arthroplasty procedures.

Abstract

To help guide acetabular component positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA), computer-assisted devices like robotics, navigation, and mixed-reality (MR) have been incorporated into the operating room with variable results. This study aimed to identify the effect of using MR technology on operative time.

This was a retrospective review of patients over the age of 18 years, who underwent primary THA for end-stage osteoarthritis from January 1, 2021, to August 20, 2024, at a single institution with 2 surgeons who incorporated MR into their surgical workflow. Patients that underwent THA with one of these 2 surgeons without HipInsight (Surgical Planning Associates, Inc., Boston, MA) were also included as controls. Demographic data, surgical approach, and operative time were evaluated.

There were 411 patients included in this study with 165 patients who underwent surgery with MR and 246 patients who underwent surgery with standard manual instrumentation. The mean operative time in minutes was 89.6 (standard deviation = 12.6) for patients undergoing THA without MR and 89.2 (standard deviation = 13.1) for patients undergoing THA with MR (P > .05).

A MR navigation system for THA did not appear to prolong operative times when utilized. Further studies are needed to determine its effect on long-term outcomes.

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