Augmented Reality-Based Navigation System for Wrist Arthroscopy: Feasibility

It was with great interest that we read Zemirlinés et al. article[1] “Augmented Reality-Based Navigation System for Wrist Arthroscopy: Feasibility” in JWS 2.4 (Nov. 2013). In this article, the authors outline many possible advantages of a reality-based navigation system for wrist arthroscopy. We entirely agree with the authors' experimental setup. It is well known that wrist arthroscopy shows significant inter- and intraobserver differences.[2] [3] A well-designed navigation system might reduce the latter.

A correct diagnosis of TFCC lesions depends on the exact site of the tear.[4] A precise three-dimensional orientation is very important during suture placement to repair TFCC pathologies effectively.[5] The calibration procedure with multiple steps is supposed to be the decisive and, at the same time, the critical phase which may reduce the reliability of the device. Economical factors may hinder a widespread acceptance since equipment costs, maintenance, and especially a prolonged operating time are supposedly drawbacks of this innovation. Otherwise, a shortened learning curve can compensate for the latter.

All in all, this concept appears to be promising. Zimberline et al.[1] clearly illustrated the possible advantages of an augmented reality-based navigation system for wrist arthroscopy in vitro. Now, further studies should be planned to proof these advantages under clinical circumstances.

• References

• 1 Zemirline A, Agnus V, Soler L, Mathoulin CL, Liverneaux PA, Obdeijn M. Augmented Reality-Based Navigation System for Wrist Arthroscopy: Feasibility. J Wrist Surg 2013; 02 (04) 294-298
• 2 Löw S, Pillukat T, Prommersberger KJ, van Schoonhoven J. The effect of additional video documentation to photo documentation in wrist arthroscopies on intra- and interobserver reliability. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2013; 133 (3) 433-438
• 3 Löw S, Herold D, Mühldorfer-Fodor M, Pillukat T. The effect of labeling photo documents in wrist arthroscopies on intra- and interobserver reliability. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2012; 132 (12) 1813-1818
• 4 Lee SJ, Rathod CM, Park KW, Hwang JH. Persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain after treatment of triquetral dorsal chip fracture: six cases related to triangular fibrocartilage complex injury. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2012; 132 (5) 671-676
• 5 Cardenas-Montemayor E, Hartl JF, Wolf MB , et al. Subjective and objective results of arthroscopic debridement of ulnar-sided TFCC (Palmer type 1B) lesions with stable distal radio-ulnar joint. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2013; 133 (2) 287-293