Comparison of Mixed Reality and Ultrasound Localization Techniques for Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07243808

National Taiwan University Hospital30 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this observational study is to compare two localization methods used before surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF): mixed reality (MR) and ultrasound-guided. Main Research Question Before SSRF, does MR help surgeons mark rib fracture locations more accurately (in centimeters) and faster than ultrasound-guided? Participants After the study ends, all participants will keep follow-up at the thoracic surgery clinic. The team will record wound healing and pain scores for use in the observational study.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fracture

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 80 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ages 18 to 80 years 2. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrates ≥3 rib fractures, and the patient meets indications for surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF). 3. Able to understand the study and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Uncorrected coagulopathy. 2. Known osteoporosis or pathologic fractures. 3. Respiratory failure or hemodynamic instability requiring emergent surgery. 4. Declines to participate or withdraws consent.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Rib fracture localization accuracy (cm)

Definition: For each participant and each method (mixed reality \[MR; OpVerse\] and ultrasound), accuracy is the absolute linear distance (cm) between the preoperative skin mark and the intraoperatively identified center of the fracture after exposure. Measurement: After skin incision and minimal soft-tissue dissection to expose the fracture line, the surgeon measures the shortest distance from the skin mark to the fracture center with a sterile ruler, recorded to 0.1 cm. Analysis note: Accuracy will be summarized per method, and a within-subject difference (MR minus ultrasound) will be calculated. Procedural note: If exposure is inadequate, the incision may be extended at the surgeon's discretion to safely perform SSRF; this does not change the measurement definition.