Orthopaedic surgeons have another tool for knee replacement: augmented reality

The augmented reality approach would be appropriate for most patients undergoing their first knee replacements, Dr Taunton says. — Dreamstime/TNS

ROCHESTER: For people with severe arthritis pain in the knee joints, knee replacement is a viable option to improve their quality of life. Orthopaedic surgeons now have a new tool for knee replacement: augmented reality.

With augmented reality technology, a surgeon views data with special smart glasses or a helmet-based visor while maintaining the view of the surgical site. Virtual reality headsets block out users' vision and give them the sense that they are elsewhere. In that way, augmented reality differs from virtual reality.