Metaverse, AR, machine learning & AI in Orthopaedics?

Abstract

The use of metaverse technology in medical education and training has the potential to greatly enhance the way healthcare professionals learn, practice, and deliver care. In particular, the use of virtual reality simulations has shown promise in the field of Orthopaedic surgery. But what exactly is metaverse? The term “metaverse” was coined by science fiction author Neal Stephenson in 1992 to describe a virtual shared space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space, including the sum of all virtual worlds, augmented reality, and the internet. In the context of healthcare, metaverse technology refers to the use of virtual reality, interactive and other immersive technologies, such as augmented reality in real time, to create simulated environments for training, education, and clinical application. One of the main benefits of using metaverse technology in Orthopaedic education and training is the ability to provide immersive learning experiences that more closely mimic real-life surgical scenarios. For example, a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research found that virtual reality simulations were effective in training residents to perform total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study found that residents who trained using virtual reality simulations had significantly better performance in a simulated TKA task compared to those who did not use simulations. Another study on the use of virtual reality simulation facilitated resident training in total hip arthroplasty (THR). Additional benefit of using metaverse technology in medical education is the ability to use limited resources more efficiently. Training on cadavers and in operating rooms can be costly and time-consuming, whilst simulations using metaverse allow for repeated practices without these constraints. A recent randomised control trial published in the BMJ found that using virtual reality simulations to train surgical trainee on laparoscopic surgery resulted in better proficiency in shorter time compared with traditional training methods. However, there are potential dangers and abuses of metaverse technology in medical settings. For example, there is a risk that students and surgical trainees may not fully understand the limitations of simulations and may have unrealistic expectations for their abilities in real-life surgical scenarios. Some aspects of these issues were highlighted in an earlier publication on the use of virtual reality simulators and training in laparoscopic surgery. This could potentially lead to adverse outcomes for patients. Hence, metaverse in clinical practice is a compliment/ adjunct to, and not a replacement for proper supervised surgical training. There is also the potential for abuse, such as cheating on exams or using simulations to practice procedures without proper supervision. In summary the use of metaverse technology in medical education and surgical training holds great promise for enhancing the way healthcare professionals learn, practice, and deliver care. However, it is important to carefully consider the benefits, drawbacks, potential dangers and abuses of this emerging technology. It is crucial that metaverse technology be used in a responsible, supervised, and ethical manner, in conjunction with formal surgical training, to ensure that healthcare professionals are properly prepared to deliver high-quality patient care.