International Orthopaedics

Radiographic and functional outcomes of shelf acetabuloplasty versus conservative management in legg-calvé-perthes disease: an age- and gender-matched study including healthy controls for isokinetic hip muscle strength

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 25. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06588-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Shelf acetabuloplasty, one of surgical containment methods, have been employed to preserve hip joint congruity in the management of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD). However, its long-term effect on radiographic and functional outcomes remains unclear due to limited evidence. Moreover, comparative studies against conservative treatment are lacking. This study aimed to (1) compare the mid- to long-term outcomes between children with advanced-stage LCPD treated with shelf acetabuloplasty and those receiving conservative management, and (2) evaluate isokinetic hip muscle strength compared to age- and gender-matched healthy controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective age- and gender-matched study included 28 children with unilateral LCPD, divided into Shelf (n = 14) and Conservative (n = 14) treatment groups. A healthy control group (n = 14) was also recruited for isokinetic comparisons. Radiographic outcomes were assessed using modified Stulberg classification and several quantitative parameters. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and isokinetic testing of hip muscle strength.

RESULTS: The Shelf group (median follow-up: 5.5 years, IQR: 4-7) showed significantly better HHS (67.9 ± 15.9) compared to the Conservative group (median follow-up: 6 years, IQR: 5-8) (54.6 ± 13.3; p = 0.024) at the final follow-up. Shelf acetabuloplasty also resulted in significantly improved radiographic parameters, including centre-edge angle (p < 0.001) and femoral head coverage (p = 0.002). Isokinetic testing revealed that the Conservative group had significantly lower hip extension (p = 0.021), abduction (p = 0.018), and adduction (p = 0.027) torque values, as well as greater muscle fatigue (p = 0.014). In contrast, the Shelf and Control groups exhibited comparable performance in most strength and endurance parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: Shelf acetabuloplasty, when applied as a salvage procedure in advanced-stage LCPD, may provide better functional outcomes and improved hip muscle performance compared to conservative treatment, despite comparable long-term femoral head morphology. Following Shelf acetabuloplasty, comparable hip flexor and extensor strength to healthy controls can be expected, although mild abductor and adductor weakness may persist.

PMID:40560220 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06588-z

What is the influence of tibial component posterior slope on clinical and radiographic outcomes following cemented medial unicompartmental fixed-bearing knee arthroplasty? A retrospective study with a minimum follow-up of five years

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 25. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06579-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate how changing the native posterior tibial slope (PTS) through implantation of a cemented medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) impacts clinical and radiographic outcomes, specifically whether it correlates with the occurrence of tibial periprosthetic radiolucency or tibial aseptic loosening (AL).

METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 63 patients with cemented medial UKAs with a minimum follow-up of five years. Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) included the Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Radiographic parameters assessed were: PTS, mechanical axis, prosthetic joint space height, tibial component obliquity, intraprosthetic divergence, and tibial periprosthetic radiolucency. Partial Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between tibial periprosthetic radiolucency and demographic or radiographic parameters.

RESULTS: Of 63 patients (mean age 68.9 ± 7.9 years, follow-up 62.5 ± 8.8 months), 5 knees (7.9%) demonstrated tibial periprosthetic radiolucency ≥ 2 mm. The mean postoperative PTS change was 3.8 ± 2.6°, mechanical axis change: 2.5 ± 1.8°, prosthetic joint space height: 9.2 ± 3.1 mm, tibial component obliquity: 2.5° ± 3°, and intraprosthetic divergence angle: 5° ± 4°. OKS averaged 43.9 (range 22-48), with a mean knee flexion of 123.4 ± 6.8°. Statistical analysis showed no significant associations between tibial periprosthetic radiolucency and demographics, radiographic parameters, or PROMs. Changes in PTS did not correlate with a range of motion (ROM), PROMs, or radiolucency.

CONCLUSION: In our cohort, the deviation from native PTS following implantation of the cemented tibial component did not show a significant correlation with tibial periprosthetic radiolucency, PROMs, or ROM at mid-term follow-up.

PMID:40560218 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06579-0

The origins of limb lengthening and reconstruction surgery date back to 1521 when the first intervention ever reported in history was performed on St. Ignatius of Loyola

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 25. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06591-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To explore the historical case of Saint Ignatius of Loyola's leg injury and subsequent surgical interventions as a potential early instance of limb lengthening and reconstruction surgery.

METHODS: A detailed analysis of "A Pilgrim's Journey" (Ignatius of Loyola's autobiography) was conducted, focusing on orthopaedic descriptions of his injury and treatments.

RESULTS: In 1521, Íñigo López de Loyola sustained a severe, comminuted open fracture of the tibia due to a cannonball wound during the siege of Pamplona. Initial attempts at reduction were unsuccessful, leading to a non-union with significant deformity and shortening. He underwent a revision surgery, a procedure described as "carnage" and endured without a single lament. Although the fracture eventually united, residual shortening and a prominent bone deformity persisted. Unwilling to accept this disfigurement for social reasons, Ignatius requested a second, highly painful osteotomy to remove the protruding bone followed by continuous traction for "days and days of martyrdom" for progressive lengthening. Crucially, after these arduous treatments, Ignatius was able to walk and even ride a horse again. The only significant residual symptom was swelling in his leg by evening.

CONCLUSION: St. Ignatius of Loyola's case provides a compelling historical account of complex orthopaedic challenges in the early 16th century. The documented surgeries represent remarkably early attempts at managing non-union, deformity, and potentially achieving limb lengthening, predating modern reconstructive techniques by centuries. This historical narrative offers valuable insights into the nascent stages of orthopaedic surgery and highlights how a physical ordeal can profoundly shape one's life path.

PMID:40560217 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06591-4

Characteristics of acromial morphology in patients with painful shoulders from Indonesia

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 20. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06585-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is a common reason for patients to seek care from general practitioners or orthopaedic specialists. Prior studies suggest a correlation between acromial morphology and shoulder pathologies. This study aimed to determine acromion characteristics in the Indonesian population and evaluate associations between acromion type, radiographic parameters, sex, and shoulder disorders.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 487 patients with shoulder disorders, using consecutive sampling and data from our institution's radiology database (2020-2021). Acromion morphology was classified using the Bigliani system. Diagnoses were based on clinical and radiological records. Radiographic parameters assessed included critical shoulder angle (CSA), acromion index (AI), lateral acromial angle (LAA), acromioclavicular (AC) joint distance, acromiohumeral (AH) joint distance, and acromial tilt.

RESULTS: Among 487 patients, type II acromion was most common (59.5%), followed by type I (33.3%), type IV (4.5%), and type III (2.7%). Mean CSA was 38.36 ± 5.13, AI 0.72 ± 0.09, LAA 72.52 ± 6.01, AC joint distance 3.18 ± 0.89, AH distance 8.61 ± 1.86, and acromial tilt 28.84 ± 4.52. No significant association was found between acromion type and shoulder disorders (p = 0.34), or between sex and acromion type (p = 0.516). Radiographic parameters also showed no significant correlation with shoulder disorders.

CONCLUSION: Type II acromion was the most prevalent in this Indonesian population. No significant associations were observed between acromion type, sex, or radiographic parameters and shoulder pathologies. Acromial morphology may represent normal anatomical variation rather than a pathological finding.

PMID:40540035 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06585-2

The Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined with TiRobot-assisted percutaneous anterior column screw fixation for transverse with or without posterior wall fractures of acetabulum: a retrospective study

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 20. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06571-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSES: To compare radiological and clinical outcomes of TiRobot-assisted versus traditional freehand percutaneous anterior column screw fixation for transverse with or without posterior wall fractures of acetabulum based on the Kocher‑Langenbeck (K‑L) approach.

METHODS: Patients suffering transverse with or without posterior wall fractures of acetabulum that were fixed by TiRobot-assisted or traditional freehand percutaneous anterior column screw fixation via the K-L approach were divided into two groups:group A (TiRobot-assisted fixation) and group B (traditional freehand fixation). Surgical time, blood loss, postoperative complications, follow-up length, hospital stay and fracture healing time were recorded. Fracture reduction quality was estimated via criteria described by Matta.Fracture healing was evaluated on the pelvic radiographs at each follow-up. Functional outcomes were examined using the Postel Merle D'Aubigné score system at the final follow-up.

RESULTS: A total of 29 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were evaluated for eligibility in this study, with 16 patients assigned to group A and 13 to group B.The mean intraoperative blood loss was 581.3 ± 242.8 ml in group A and 761.5 ± 193.8 ml in group B(P < 0.05). The average intraoperative fluoroscopy in group A was 8.3 ± 1.5 times, while that in group B was 12.7 ± 2.0 times(P < 0.001). The mean number of needle adjustments was 0.6 ± 0.6 in group A and 2.0 ± 0.7 in group B(P < 0.001). No signifcant differences in surgical time of the anterior column screw fixation,hospital stay,reduction quality, fracture healing time, complications and functional outcomes were noted between the two groups. It is worth noting that, in TiRobotic-assistance early-stage group the mean surgical time of anterior fracture fixation was 29.3 ± 2.5 min, while it was 19.3 ± 2.2 and 26.7 ± 4.2 min in Tirobotic-assistance late-stage group and freehand group respectively, with a statistically significant inter-group difference (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The K‑L approach combined with TiRobot‑aided anterior column screw fixation is a safe and effective option for transverse with or without posterior wall fractures of acetabulum. Compared with traditional freehand percutaneous anterior column screw fixation, TiRobot‑aided screw fixation has obvious advantages on blood loss, invasiveness, screw placement accuracy, patient and physician radiation exposure. Tirobot‑aided screw fixation involves a learning curve. During the initial phase, the surgical time is prolonged due to unfamiliarity with the technology; however, as proficiency improves, the surgical time is significantly reduced compared to traditional freehand technique. The K‑L approach combined with traditional freehand percutaneous anterior column screw fixation can also be a reliable alternative for transverse with or without posterior wall fractures of acetabulum, with the similar reduction quality, complications and functional outcomes.

PMID:40540034 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06571-8

Superior capsular reconstruction after failed rotator cuff repair using a fascia lata autograft is associated with inferior outcomes compared to primary superior capsular reconstruction for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 18. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06568-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of failed rotator cuff repair (RCR) on surgical outcomes after superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) using a fascia lata autograft.

METHODS: We included 79 patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears who underwent SCR using fascia lata autografts between 2018 and 2023, with a minimum follow-up of ≥ one year. Of them, 66 patients underwent primary SCR (primary SCR group) and 13 underwent SCR after structural failure of previous RCR (revision SCR group). Clinical outcomes, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and range of motion, were assessed. Radiological outcomes were evaluated using radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values determined the clinical relevance of the difference in functional outcomes. Graft tears were recorded if graft discontinuity was found on MRI.

RESULTS: The revision SCR group showed worse VAS (2.1 vs. 1.1, P = 0.025), ASES (69.7 vs. 82.4, P = 0.008), Constant (57.1 vs. 64.3, P = 0.016) scores and higher graft tear rates (61.5% vs. 21.2%; P = 0.049) than the primary SCR group. The differences in VAS, ASES, and Constant scores exceeded the MCID threshold in the primary SCR group at a mean final follow-up of 2.1 ± 1.0 years. Conversely, in the revision SCR group, only the difference in Constant score exceeded the MCID threshold at a mean final follow-up of 2.2 ± 1.6 years, and patients with intact grafts showed significantly better VAS score and acromiohumeral distance (both P = 0.030) than those with torn grafts.

CONCLUSION: SCR using fascia lata autograft improved surgical outcomes for primary and revision SCRs. However, revision SCR showed worse outcomes and higher graft tear rates compared to primary SCR.

PMID:40531208 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06568-3

Current perspectives on lacertus syndrome: clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06580-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lacertus syndrome (LS) involves median nerve compression by the lacertus fibrosus at the elbow. Often misdiagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), it presents primarily with hand weakness, fatigue, and forearm pain, with less common sensory symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: To review current knowledge on the clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for LS, highlighting the distinct characteristics that differentiate it from similar conditions.

METHODS: A comprehensive review synthesizing literature on anatomy, pathophysiology, prevalence, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes.

RESULTS: Clinical diagnosis relies heavily on specific provocative tests, including the clinical triad (muscle weakness, localized pain, positive Scratch Collapse Test), Lacertus Antagonist Test (LAT), and visible Lacertus Notch Sign. Diagnostic ultrasound is increasingly preferred for real-time, dynamic assessment. Electrodiagnostic studies have limited diagnostic value due to the dynamic nature of the compression. Conservative treatments include activity modification, nerve gliding exercises, kinesiotaping, and injections (corticosteroids, botulinum toxin). Surgical intervention, typically via minimally invasive or percutaneous release under Wide-Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT), achieves immediate intraoperative strength improvement and high patient satisfaction rates (around 88%).

CONCLUSIONS: Improved clinical recognition of Lacertus syndrome through specific provocative tests and dynamic ultrasound enhances accurate diagnosis. Surgical decompression, especially using the WALANT approach, consistently yields excellent functional outcomes, emphasizing its role as the definitive treatment for resistant or severe cases.

PMID:40522492 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06580-7

Dynamic anterior stabilization for recurrent anterior shoulder instability improves postoperative patient-reported outcomes without restricting shoulder range of motion: a meta-analysis

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 16. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06581-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Dynamic anterior stabilization (DAS) is a novel soft-tissue procedure for treating anterior shoulder instability in selected cases. The purpose of the present meta-analysis is to provide the up-to-date evidence on DAS's outcomes, safety and characterize study designs to improve future studies and accelerate technical advancements.

METHODS: A PRISMA guided meta-analysis was performed. Inclusion criteria were human studies, comparative or non-comparative in which DAS was performed as an indication for anterior shoulder instability. Four databases were searched PubMed (via MEDLINE), EMBASE, Web of Science, and Science Direct. ROBINS-I was employed for risk of bias analysis. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed using mean difference (MD) as effect size estimator. Heterogeneity was reported using the I2 statistic. Dichotomous variables were counted and reported as % out of total sample size for each study.

RESULTS: Five studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 137 patients were available for analysis with a mean age of 27.8 ± 9 years and 108 patients were males. Mean follow-up duration was 37 ± 11 months. Postoperative ASES score showed an improvement of MD = -15.09 (95% CI: -22.35 to -7.38), p < 0.01, compared to the preoperative period. The ROWE score showed a similar improvement, MD = -58.38 (95% CI: -69.88 to -46.89), p < 0.01. Postoperative range of motion (ROM) was not significantly influenced. Active anterior elevation had a MD = -6.07° (95% CI: -15.04 to 2.91), p = 0.19, active external rotation had a MD = 3.7° (95% CI: -7.71 to 15.11), p = 0.53, and active internal rotation, MD = 0.16° (95% CI: -1.4 to 1.73), p = 0.84. Return to play ranged from 80 to 100% while return to competitive sports, reported by a single study, was 33%. The overall complication rate was 8.6%. The overall risk of bias was "serious" or "critical" for all included studies.

CONCLUSION: DAS has been shown to improve postoperative PROMs, does not restrict ROM compared to the preoperative period and has an overall complication rate of 8.6%.

PMID:40522491 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06581-6

Risk factors for recurrent lumbar disc herniation after unilateral biportal endoscopy: a retrospective study

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 14. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06577-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) is a predominantly minimally invasive surgical technique for addressing LDH. Nonetheless, recurrent lumbar disc herniation (rLDH) remains the predominant reason for reoperation following UBE. This retrospective study examined the risk factors and reoperation rates for rLDH following UBE. This study aimed to examine the risk factors associated with rLDH and the reoperation rate after single-level UBE.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 205 patients who underwent UBE for single-level LDH from 2019 to 2023 to determine reoperation causes and related risk variables. Reoperation was characterized as the postoperative radiological evidence of persistent symptomatic disc herniation at the same level, necessitating further surgical intervention. We gathered radiographic and demographic parameters preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients with recurrent LDH had additional evaluation during recurrence and revision operations.

RESULTS: Of the 205 patients, 21 (10.2%) required further rLDH revision surgery. The multivariate analysis indicated that obesity and elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were independent risk variables with strong predictive value for reoperation after controlling for other potential risk factors. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cutoff points for UBE were body mass index (BMI) = 25.775 kg/m2 and FBG = 5.155 mmol/L.

CONCLUSION: This study identified obesity (BMI > 25.775 kg/m²) and elevated FBG levels (> 5.155 mmol/L) as independent risk factors for UBE reoperation. Hence, we recommend longer rehabilitation interventions, such as wearing a suitable brace and strengthening the paraspinal muscles, for patients with obesity and high FBG who undergo UBE.

PMID:40515760 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06577-2

Three dimensional printing patient specific cutting guides for Pes cavus midfoot osteotomy-a retrospective cohort comparative study

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 14. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06572-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This comparative cohort study evaluates the clinical efficacy of 3D-printed patient-specific cutting guides (PSCGs) versus conventional manual techniques in correcting rigid midfoot pes cavus deformities.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 40 patients (80 feet) undergoing Cole osteotomy between 2021 and 2023 was conducted. Patients were stratified into two matched cohorts: Group A (manual osteotomy, n = 20) and Group B (PSCG-assisted, n = 20). Radiographic parameters (Meary's angle, TMI, TCA, Djian-Annonier angle, Pitch angle) and functional outcomes (VAS, AOFAS, SF-36) were analyzed preoperatively and at mean 17-month follow-up. Surgical metrics including operative time, fluoroscopy frequency, and complication rates were systematically compared.

RESULTS: Radiographic analysis demonstrated superior angular correction in the PSCG-assisted cohort versus conventional osteotomy, with significantly improved bilateral Meary's angle (Right: 1.94°±0.62 vs. 6.04°±2.20, P < 0.05; Left: 1.62°±0.54 vs. 6.39°±2.04, P < 0.05) and TMI angle (Right: 4.32°±3.14 vs. 8.51°±8.12, P < 0.05; Left: 4.74°±2.44 vs. 8.53°±5.93, P < 0.05). The PSCG technique achieved equivalent correction in TCA, Djian-Annonier, and Pitch angles while demonstrating enhanced consistency (38-66% reduction in standard deviations). Functionally, PSCG-assisted procedures yielded superior AOFAS scores (97.71 ± 0.77 vs. 92.07 ± 2.25, Δ = 5.64 [95%CI 4.54-6.74], P < 0.05) and SF-36 outcomes, particularly in general health (Δ = 16.96, P < 0.05) and mental well-being (Δ = 7.92, P = 0.001). Operative metrics favored PSCG with 36% shorter procedure time (82.9 ± 13.9 vs. 129.0 ± 39.6 min, P < 0.05) and 77% reduced intraoperative fluoroscopy (4.65 ± 1.06 vs. 20.07 ± 2.92 exposures, P < 0.05). No surgical site infections occurred in the PSCG group versus one superficial SSI in controls CONCLUSION: 3D-printed PSCGs provide anatomically precise, efficient correction of complex midfoot deformities while minimizing intraoperative radiation exposure, establishing this technology as a safe and reproducible alternative to conventional techniques.

PMID:40515759 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06572-7

Perineural dexamethasone effectively prolongs anaesthesic block duration in total hip arthroplasty, reduces opioid consumption, and does not compromise motor function, nerve integrity, or glycaemic control

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 11. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06578-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Adequate postoperative analgesia is critical for elderly patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block relieves pain while preserving motor function, but its limited duration necessitates adjuncts. This study evaluates the efficacy of perineural dexamethasone in prolonging PENG block analgesia in geriatric THA patients.

METHODS: In this double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 60 patients (≥ 65 years) undergoing THA under spinal anaesthesia were assigned to the PENG group - PENG block with 20 mL 0.2% ropivacaine and the PENG + DEX group - PENG block with 20 mL 0.2% ropivacaine + 4 mg perineural dexamethasone. The primary outcome was time to first rescue opioid administration. The secondary outcomes included total opioid consumption, pain scores (NRS), quadriceps strength, and adverse effects over 48 h.

RESULTS: Dexamethasone significantly prolonged analgesia (16.0 ± 1.3 vs. 9.0 ± 1.7 h, p < 0.0001) and reduced opioid use (0.9 ± 1.2 vs. 2.1 ± 1.4 mEQ, p = 0.0003). Pain scores were lower at six, 12, and 24 h (p < 0.05). Quadriceps strength remained intact in both groups. No nerve injuries were observed (p > 0.9999). Blood glucose levels at 12, 24, and 48 h showed no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Perineural dexamethasone effectively prolongs PENG block duration, reduces opioid consumption, and does not compromise motor function, nerve integrity, or glycaemic control. It is a promising strategy for optimizing pain control in elderly THA patients.

PMID:40498110 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06578-1

Mixed reality guidance in osteotomy provides superior precision and accuracy: validation and comparative study

Int Orthop. 2025 Jun 11. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06574-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Bone deformities, such as cubitus varus, can lead to abnormal joint alignment and impaired function. Corrective osteotomy aims to restore anatomical alignment, and its precision may be enhanced using various guidance methods. Emerging mixed reality systems allow for the placement and manipulation of virtual objects and may offer effective surgical navigation. This study aimed to validate the accuracy and precision of holographic guidance compared with classic visual estimation and a printed triangle gauge in a controlled laboratory setting.

METHODS: Closed-wedge osteotomies at angles of 15° and 30° were performed on fresh-frozen porcine femora. Three techniques were evaluated: Group EB (eyeballing)-visual estimation; Group PW (printed wedge)-using 15° and 30° plastic templates; and Group HW (holographic wedge)-using a mixed reality system (RSQ HOLO, RSQ Technologies, Poznań, Poland, and HoloLens 2, Microsoft). In the HW group, a holographic wedge tool guided the osteotomy. The angle of the excised bone wedge and post-osteotomy alignment in the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral planes were measured physically (goniometer) and digitally (radiographs). Statistical analysis assessed accuracy (closeness to 15°/30°) and precision (standard deviation [SD], mean deviation, coefficient of variation [CV]).

RESULTS: At 15°, the PW and HW techniques demonstrated greater accuracy and lower error compared with EB (T = 3.60; p < 0.01), with HW yielding the lowest systematic error (SE = 0.12). Alignment in the AP plane was similar across groups (T < 2.11; p > 0.05), whereas lateral alignment showed significant differences (T > 2.11; p < 0.05). At 30°, HW achieved the best alignment in both AP (T = 2.48; p = 0.01) and lateral views (T = 2.35; p = 0.02). Lateral alignment was improved by more than 5° with holographic guidance compared to other techniques (p = 0.01). The HW group exhibited the highest precision for both 15° and 30° angles (lowest SD and CV; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Augmented reality provides accurate and precise intraoperative guidance, outperforming both visual estimation and printed wedge templates in deformity correction.

PMID:40498109 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06574-5

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