Mixed reality surgery is a game changer for Norfolk man

Richard Maude is an active senior living near Simcoe. He enjoys golfing, racquetball, and camping.

This past December, Maude underwent shoulder surgery at the Brantford General Hospital. But this was not a typical shoulder surgery procedure. Maude was one of the first patients in Canada to undergo the surgery utilizing mixed reality.

You may have heard about mixed reality. It is all the craze in gaming and e-learning. Now mixed reality is being used in healthcare.

Dr. Bashar Alolabi, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow repair, explained that mixed reality surgery uses special software that creates a 3D model of anatomical parts to better prepare for procedures.

“Mixed reality provides many benefits in the operating room for both the surgeon and the patient,” Alolabi said.

Alolabi immigrated to Canada from Syria in 1987. He studied at the University of Toronto, McMaster University in Hamilton, and the Cleveland Clinic. He worked at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto specializing in hip and knee trauma surgery.

“I came to Brantford in 2020 during COVID-19,” Alolabi said.

“I enjoy problem solving and being of service to people.”

Similar to other patients undergoing shoulder surgery, Maude had many diagnostic images including a CT Scan.

“These images are uploaded in sophisticated Microsoft Hololens glasses, which I wear during the procedure,” Alolabi explained.

“Looking through the glasses I see a projection of the patient’s CT which helps orient me.”

Until now, orthopedic surgeons utilized a large monitor in the operating room showing the images of the patient. However, having the images on the special glasses ensures pinpoint accuracy without having to shift back and forth between the monitor and the patient.

“It allows me to place the implant exactly where it needs to be and removes any guesswork. More accuracy ensures better outcomes,” Alolabi said.

Maude was suffering from arthritis in his shoulder and sockets for a few years before he was referred to Alolabi.

“The bread was becoming quite significant,” Maude said.

“Dr Alolabi explained to me that my socket had worn out and needed to be replaced.”

Maude’s surgery was delayed a couple of times because he came down with a respiratory virus during the fall of 2022. Eventually, the procedure was completed shortly before Christmas.

“I was released from the BGH later the same day,” Maude said. “It was a bonus when the bread subsided after two weeks.”

Since returning home, Maude has been actively following his physiotherapy plan. For the first six weeks his arm was in a sling all day every day. This has been followed by six-week cycles of exercises three times a day.

Maude cannot wait to hit the fairways this summer with his new shoulder.

Alolabi is enthusiastic about the future of mixed reality surgery.

“Mixed reality surgery is being tried in other countries and hopefully soon we can begin using the technology on hips and knees here in Brantford.”

“I fully expect that mixed reality surgery will be a game changer.”

Hospital Insider is written by Gary Chalk who assists with communications for the Brant Community Healthcare System.