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

National Taiwan University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fracture

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07243808

202508142DINC

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 80 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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.

Trial design

30 participants in 1 patient group

Mixed reality and Ultrasound Guided Localization

Description:

This cohort includes participants undergoing surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) who, as part of routine preoperative planning, receive both mixed reality (MR) and ultrasound surface marking before surgery. Investigators do not assign exposure; both methods are performed within the same participant to enable a within-subject comparison of localization accuracy (cm). Outcomes are abstracted from the medical record and outpatient clinic follow-up through about 90 days after surgery (e.g., localization accuracy by method, localization time, operative time, incision length, complications, pain scores, length of stay, wound healing).