Nicklaus Children’s Pioneers Mixed Reality for Pediatric Hip Surgery

The procedure, led by pediatric orthopedic oncologist Dr. Thomas J. Utset-Ward, marks a significant shift in how surgeons approach pediatric hip replacements—a rarity given the ongoing skeletal development of young patients. Dr. Utset-Ward is one of only ten specialists nationwide dedicated to treating complex orthopedic conditions and bone tumors in children, and he utilized a specialized mixed-reality headset to navigate the surgery. By projecting detailed 3D anatomical models, the technology allowed for precise implant sizing and placement, aiming to improve long-term durability and surgical accuracy.

Elienay’s condition, known as slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), occurs when the ball of the thigh bone slides off the hip joint neck. For years, the injury left her unable to walk without support or cover significant distances. Following the intervention, the patient has moved beyond the reliance on mobility aids, successfully returning to daily activities like riding a bicycle. The hospital’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine, and Spine Institute views this integration of predictive analysis and real-time guidance as a vital tool to reduce surgical duration and enhance outcomes for the most vulnerable patients.