Augmented reality makes hip surgery more precise, less invasive
At 27, Parker isn’t the typical hip replacement patient. And, thanks to advanced technology introduced to Colorado at HCA HealthONE Presbyterian St. Luke’s by Raúl Gösthe, MD, of HCA HealthONE Orthopedic Specialists, his surgery wasn’t run-of-the-mill either. Parker’s hip replacement procedure performed by Dr. Gösthe in January of 2025 used an innovative mixed reality-based digital surgery platform that provides the highest levels of precision through the most minimally invasive approach. With its 3D modeling and augmented reality, Parker explains the procedure “felt like sci-fi — like I was treated on a spaceship in a hospital."
A former marine now working in healthcare in Cheyenne, WY, Parker was diagnosed with avascular necrosis in both of his hips in 2023. The condition occurs when the blood supply to the bone is lost or interrupted. His HCA HealthONE orthopedic team was able to salvage his right hip with a core decompression procedure and stem cell treatment. “But the left leg was beyond the point of return, and they told me they were going to have to replace it,” Parker details.
When discussing the surgery, Dr. Gösthe explained to Parker that he’d like to use a new technology that reduces the impact of surgery on the body while providing the most accurate placement possible. “The way he explained it to me was as augmented reality surgery. About a week prior to the surgery, they did a CT scan of my pelvic region and Dr. Gösthe used augmented reality to plan every step of the surgery. All his hand movements, everything was based on my exact anatomy. Then, during the procedure, he wore these goggles that let him see an overlay of where my hip is and exactly how he needs to shift and adjust to do it perfectly,” Parker recalls.
Dr. Gösthe furthers, “This technology gives us unprecedented planning and a pathway to execute the plan effortlessly. Some of the most common challenges of hip surgery can be easily accounted for and resolved. Everything is precisely laid out based on each patient’s unique anatomy and with augmented reality hologram trajectory overlays, I can clearly visualize and follow the patient’s personalized surgical plan. For the patient, this often leads to better outcomes, fewer complications, less pain and a faster return to activity.”
And for Parker, just a few months after surgery, he feels like he has his life back. “For anyone who is contemplating hip replacement, I want them to know—I feel like a new man. I have my life back.” He can once again cook without having to take breaks or sit due to pain. He also is looking forward to hiking and camping this summer with his wife and dogs. He is grateful to Dr. Gösthe and the technology that gave him new freedom. “This was one of the best facilities I've ever been to and Dr. Gösthe and his team were amazing. They were super supportive and incredibly kind.” For patients facing a similar diagnosis, he encourages, “Don’t forget to laugh — whatever makes you laugh — it will help get you through.”