Virtual reality digital surgical planning for jaw reconstruction: a usability study

Background Digital surgical planning (DSP) has revolutionized the preparation and execution of the management of complex head and neck pathologies. The addition of virtual reality (VR) allows the surgeon to have a three‐dimensional experience with six degrees of freedom for visualizing and manipulating objects. This pilot study describes the participants experience with the first head and neck reconstructive VR‐DSP platform. Methods An original VR‐DSP platform has been developed for planning the ablation and reconstruction of head and neck pathologies. A prospective trial utilizing this platform involving reconstructive surgeons was performed. Participants conducted a simulated VR‐DSP planning session, pre‐ and post‐questionnaire as well as audio recordings allowing for qualitative analysis. Results Thirteen consultant reconstructive surgeons representing three surgical backgrounds with varied experience were recruited. The majority of surgeons had no previous experience with VR. Based on the system usability score, the VR‐DSP platform was found to have above average usability. The qualitative analysis demonstrated the majority had a positive experience. Participants identified some perceived barriers to implementing the VR‐DSP platform. Conclusions Virtual reality‐digital surgical planning is usable and acceptable to reconstructive surgeons. Surgeons were able to perform the steps in an efficient time despite limited experience. The addition of VR offers additional benefits to current VSP platforms. Based on the results of this pilot study, it is likely that VR‐DSP will be of benefit to the reconstructive surgeon. This article describes the experience of reconstructive surgeons with a novel virtual surgical planning platform incorporating virtual reality.