AR-guided hip replacement gets this 62-year-old skier back on the slopes
AR-guided hip replacement gets this 62-year-old skier back on the slopes
Henri Rivers is back in skis with his new hip. Photo credit: Northwell Health.
How augmented reality surgery helped Henri Rivers resume his high-octane lifestyle
Henri Rivers, 62, from West Babylon, NY, is no stranger to pushing his athletic limits. The avid skier and coach hits the slopes around 50 days or more through the winter months. But escalating hip pain limited him to just 10 skiing days last season before forcing him to the sidelines entirely.
When Rivers learned that he needed a hip replacement, he sought out a solution that would allow him to return to skiing with his characteristic vigor. The answer came in the form of an advanced surgical platform, HipInsight, which uses augmented reality (AR) to create a highly customized and precise hip replacement.
This innovative technology made Rivers an ideal candidate — the precision and adaptability could help preserve his active lifestyle. Northwell Health’s South Shore University Hospital, where Rivers had the surgery, was the only health system in New York State using augmented reality in hip replacement procedures at the time. Keith Reinhardt, MD, chief of joint reconstruction at South Shore, had been Rivers’ orthopedic surgeon for years. He even performed Rivers' knee replacement previously and was acutely aware of the level of performance Rivers demanded from his joints. For Dr. Reinhardt, using the HipInsight platform ensured that Rivers’ new hip joint would be perfectly suited to withstand the rigors of high-intensity skiing.
The injury and journey to surgery
Rivers’ hip injury didn’t happen on the slopes. He sustained it while preparing for the ski season, splitting wood. The crouching motion triggered sharp pain, which escalated to an intense and constant discomfort. “The pain level was very high, at an eight out of ten,” Rivers recalls. Over the following eight months, he adapted his lifestyle to manage the pain, but his gait and movement were limited. Ultimately, the persistent pain and the strain it put on his everyday activities and skiing routine became unmanageable, pushing him to seek a long-term solution.
Rivers’ case required not just any hip replacement but one that could adapt to the demands of his active pursuits. Recognizing this, Dr. Reinhardt introduced Rivers to HipInsight, a groundbreaking augmented reality platform for hip replacements that allowed him to plan and perform the surgery with remarkable accuracy.
A more precise hip replacement surgery
Traditionally, hip replacement surgeries rely on two-dimensional imaging, such as X-rays, for surgical planning. The HipInsight platform captures the dynamic, three-dimensional nature of the hip joint. With the new technology, Dr. Reinhardt could create a 3D model of Rivers’ pelvis and hip tailored precisely to his unique anatomy and needs.
Dr. Reinhardt explains that the process began with a preoperative CT scan of Rivers’ hip and pelvis. Using these scans, a 3D model was created to visualize Rivers' bone structure, allowing Dr. Reinhardt to craft a highly personalized surgical plan. This model would serve as a detailed guide during the procedure, revealing the ideal placement of the implant to ensure optimal movement and longevity.
During the surgery, Dr. Reinhardt donned HoloLens augmented reality glasses, which enabled him to visualize Rivers’ joint anatomy as a hologram, directly overlaid onto the patient’s actual hip. “We literally have x-ray vision—better than x-ray vision because it’s three-dimensional,” Dr. Reinhardt describes. This technology enabled him to navigate the complex structures within Rivers’ hip with precision, aligning the implant exactly where the preoperative plan specified.
To ensure the accuracy of the augmented reality display, a docking tool with a QR code was attached to Rivers’ pelvis, allowing the augmented reality system to synchronize the holographic model with the actual position of the pelvis. As Dr. Reinhardt moved surgical tools into position, the holographic interface displayed virtual guides, showing exactly where and how each component should be placed. By matching the real tools with their holographic counterparts, Dr. Reinhardt could achieve the optimal alignment and placement needed for Rivers’ athletic lifestyle.
Recovery and future on the slopes
Rivers’ operation took place on June 19, and his recovery progressed quickly. He was able to walk within 24 hours post-surgery. “I’ve been doing PT at home, and it’s going well,” Rivers said just weeks after the operation. The incision healed smoothly, and his range of motion returned rapidly. Within weeks, he was climbing stairs, moving without pain, and getting back to his daily routine.
Pioneering new standards in hip replacement surgery
Rivers’ surgery represents a milestone in orthopedic surgery, illustrating how technology can enhance both precision and patient outcomes. The potential for augmented reality technology in orthopedics extends beyond hip replacements. By providing surgeons with real-time, 3D anatomical visualizations, it offers a new level of accuracy and control, ultimately enhancing the longevity and performance of implants. Dr. Reinhardt emphasizes that the precision provided by augmented reality can reduce wear on the implants over time, which is crucial for athletes like Rivers who need high-performance replacements.
Looking ahead: skiing with a new hip and renewed passion
Rivers is particularly grateful for Dr. Reinhardt’s expertise and the cutting-edge augmented reality technology that made his recovery so smooth. The successful surgery means more than just alleviating pain — it means reclaiming his passion for skiing. As president of the National Brotherhood of Snowsports, an organization committed to introducing people of color to winter sports, Rivers is thrilled to resume his role as a leader and advocate for diversity in skiing. By Thanksgiving, he expects to be back on the snow, joining his students and reconnecting with the sport he loves.
