Justin Strickland, M.D., a board-certified and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialist at Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists, is bringing a new level of precision to shoulder replacement surgery with the introduction of the NextAR Shoulder augmented reality surgical platform. Dr. Strickland is among the first surgeons in the country to use this technology and is currently the only provider offering it in the central states region.

NextAR Shoulder is an advanced augmented reality solution that enhances surgical accuracy by providing real-time, 3D visual guidance during shoulder replacement procedures. It is the first augmented reality surgical application with intraoperative guidance cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The procedure is performed at Precision Surgery Center, the only facility in Kansas offering this technology. Dr. Strickland and Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists are the only orthopaedic team in the state trained to use the NextAR system.

Benefits of NextAR Shoulder include:

• Personalized surgical planning tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy.
• Enhanced precision with real-time intraoperative guidance.
• Improved implant positioning and alignment.
• Potential for less pain and a faster, more efficient recovery.

The process begins before surgery with a CT scan that creates a detailed 3D model of the patient’s shoulder, allowing for a customized surgical plan and optimized implant selection. During the procedure, optical trackers and augmented reality technology provide real-time feedback, while specialized AR glasses project the patient-specific surgical plan directly into the surgeon’s field of view, enabling precise adjustments based on the patient’s anatomy while keeping the surgeon in full control.

“NextAR technology allows us to bring a patient’s surgical plan to life with an exceptional level of accuracy,” said Dr. Strickland. “By using augmented reality in the operating room, we can make more informed decisions in real time, which ultimately helps improve outcomes and recovery for our patients.”

Dr. Strickland’s adoption of NextAR Shoulder reflects his commitment to advancing orthopaedic care through innovation and delivering highly personalized treatment options to patients across the region.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Strickland at Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists, please call 316-219-8299.