Immersive virtual reality in orthopedic hand therapy.

ABSTRACT

Emerging advances in immersive virtual reality incorporating optical hand-tracking present promising potential for application in orthopedic hand therapy. The system is designed to analyze hand movements, enabling users to "use" their hands virtually in any fabricated setting. This article, supplemented with videos, examines practical applications of immersive virtual reality in routine hand therapy and provides a scientific presentation of the interaction of immersive virtual reality with our physiological and neurological systems. Indications for immersive virtual reality use, critical evaluations and recommendations are comprehensively discussed. Immersive virtual reality has the potential to evolve into a standard treatment modality in orthopedic hand therapy.