The future of joint surgery: the application of digital orthopaedic technology in joint surgery / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Digital orthopedic technologies are increasingly being applied to the clinical practice of joint surgery. These technologies include artificial intelligence, virtual/augmented/mixed reality, 3D printing, computer navigation, robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, and other digital orthopedic technologies. Digital orthopedic technologies continue to empower joint surgeons, simplify complex operations, achieve precision in simple operations, and to make precise operations more individualized. Thus, they are becoming important development directions for joint surgery in the future. With the help of advances in computer-aided design and additive manufacturing technology, customized joint prostheses and bone tissue repair materials provide great convenience for reconstruction of complex bone defects during revision surgery. Various types of computer-assisted navigation technologies and robot-assisted surgery technologies can help doctors improve the accuracy of osteotomy and prosthesis implantation significantly. However, to fundamentally improve patients' satisfaction after joint replacements, we need to use digital orthopedics technologies to explore the ideal target value of arthroplasty. Further, we use personalized preoperative planning with objective and accurate assessment technology of soft tissue balance, precise intraoperative operations, and the use of customized prostheses to achieve individualized and precise joint arthroplasty. Various digital orthopedic technologies have their own advantages and disadvantages. Joint surgeons should have an in-depth understanding of these technologies and make full and reasonable use of these technologies to benefit the majority of patients.