How Augmented Reality Technology Is Helping Athletes Recover Faster
Dr. Frank Phillips of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in Chicago is among the spinal surgeons at the forefront of using augmented reality during operations, as the practice becomes more common in treating back injuries in athletes.
“It's more efficient,” Phillips told SportTechie. “It’s perfect, every time,” he added. “You’re getting a much more three-dimensional, appreciation of the spinal anatomy.”
When it comes to back surgery, the dreaded spinal fusion has often been seen as a last resort or active individuals.
“Just hoping that back muscle somehow heals doesn't really fly if you're a high-level athlete,” said Phillips, whose hospital provides team physicians for the Chicago Bulls, White Sox and Fire. “These technologies like augmented reality allow us to do that same surgery of fusion, but through much more targeted approach.”
The best part of the AR technique is its less invasive nature since it can be conducted as an outpatient procedure that requires less recovery time and less post-op medications, Phillips said.
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