The effectiveness of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality training in total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Extended reality (XR), including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), has been used in the training of total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aims to examine the effectiveness of XR training in THA. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE (OVID), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov from inception to September 2022 for eligible studies. The Review Manager 5.4 software was applied to compare accuracy of inclination and anteversion, and surgical duration between XR training and conventional methods. RESULTS: We identified 213 articles, of which 4 randomized clinical trials and 1 prospective controlled study including 106 participants met inclusion criteria. The pooled data indicated the XR training had better accuracy of inclination and shorter surgical duration than conventional methods (MD = −2.07, 95% CI [− 4.02 to −0.11], P = 0.04; SMD = −1.30, 95% CI [− 2.01 to −0.60], P = 0.0003), but the accuracy of anteversion was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis found XR training had better accuracy of inclination and shorter surgical duration than conventional methods in THA, but the accuracy of anteversion was similar. Based on the pooled results, we suggested that XR training can better improve trainees’ surgical skills than conventional methods in THA. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13018-023-03604-z.