Abstract:
In orthopedic oncology, errors in surgical planning and intraoperative execution can result in positive tumor resection margins, which negatively impact oncological outcomes. When examining bone tumor patients, surgeons must mentally process and accurately overlay the patients’ virtual 2D medical images and 3D bone-tumor models onto their anatomy for surgical planning. This task is especially challenging for tumors with varying extents and in regions with complex anatomy. Mixed Reality (MR) is an immersive technology that seamlessly combines the physical and digital worlds. It allows surgeons to better understand bone tumors by overlaying 3D holograms onto actual patients before surgery. MR technology may provide a new, more accessible, and less expensive supplement to digital tools when comparing computer navigation and 3D printed guides in orthopedic oncology. I will share our clinical experience and journey in developing and integrating this emerging technology in public hospitals.
