NextAR Shoulder

Revolutionizing Shoulder Replacement With Augmented Reality

The doctors at Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists are dedicated experts in providing exceptional orthopaedic care—and that includes offering the latest advancements in surgical technology. Dr. Justin Strickland is proud to bring patients the NextAR Shoulder system, a state-of-the-art augmented reality solution that enhances the precision and personalization of shoulder replacement procedures. With this breakthrough in orthopaedic innovation, you benefit from surgical accuracy tailored to your unique anatomy, empowering better outcomes and faster recovery.

What Is NextAR Shoulder?

NextAR Shoulder is an advanced surgical technology that uses augmented reality (AR) to support your surgeon with real-time, 3D visual guidance throughout your procedure. By overlaying your personalized surgical plan directly into the surgeon’s field of view using AR glasses, this technology allows for highly accurate, anatomy-specific decisions during surgery.

You may have heard of robotic or computer-assisted surgeries. NextAR takes it a step further—integrating advanced AR technology to enhance visualization, improve implant positioning, and support a more personalized surgical experience—all while keeping your surgeon in complete control.

Benefits of NextAR Shoulder

  • Tailored to You: Every patient’s anatomy is different. With NextAR, your surgery is built around your individual shoulder structure.
  • Precise Execution: AR delivers real-time guidance during surgery, helping to improve implant positioning and minimize potential complications.
  • Faster Return to Life: Better surgical accuracy often means less pain, improved strength and motion, and a smoother recovery.

A Personalized Approach Before, During & After Surgery

Before Surgery

Your journey with NextAR begins weeks before the procedure. Unlike traditional shoulder replacement procedures, Dr. Strickland will order a CT scan of your shoulder to create a highly detailed 3D model of your anatomy. This model is used to develop a personalized surgical plan and for selecting the best implant type and optimal position to restore your shoulder’s natural function and alignment.

During Surgery

The NextAR Shoulder replacement procedure takes about 90 minutes and follows the same steps as a traditional approach. What sets it apart is the use of optical trackers, which are attached to your bone and the surgical instruments. These trackers communicate with Dr. Strickland’s AR glasses in real time.

This real-time feedback empowers your surgeon to make highly accurate adjustments based on your unique anatomy, enhancing the precision of prosthesis placement. Dr. Strickland has undergone specialized training in NextAR Shoulder and remains in full control at all times. The system enhances his ability to make confident, informed decisions tailored to you.

After Surgery

Following surgery, you’ll be monitored in recovery before returning home with a tailored rehabilitation plan. Your recovery timeline may vary based on your condition and procedure. Dr. Strickland and the Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists team will guide you through medication management and rehabilitation to help you return to your everyday activities as safely and quickly as possible. Thanks to the enhanced accuracy of the NextAR Shoulder system, patients may also experience a more efficient recovery and a quicker return to daily activities.

Personalized Orthopaedic Care, Powered by Innovation

Dr. Strickland and Kansas Joint & Spine Specialists are proud to bring innovative care tailored to you with NextAR Shoulder—so you can get back to the active lifestyle you love. To learn more about this state-of-the-art procedure and if you are a candidate, please call (316) 219-8299 or request an appointment online today.