Augmented Reality for Training on Commonly Missed Extremity Fractures: A Study on the Efficacy of Technology-enhanced Health Professions Education in Learning Outcomes and Experience

BMC Medical Education (09/11/25) Mastour, Haniye; Choubdaran, Ensieh; Abbasi, Bita; et al.

Handheld augmented reality (AR) is a cost-effective and scalable learning tool that can help train physicians and radiologic technicians in identifying commonly missed fractures, according to new research. For the study, 46 participants followed a 4-week self-paced training course using a mobile AR-based training application. The training focused on six commonly missed fractures: the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint, cubitus (elbow) joint, radiocarpal (wrist) joint, acetabulofemoral (hip) joint, tibiofemoral (knee) joint, and talocrural (ankle) joint. Based on pre- and post-intervention surveys, fracture recognition improved significantly following the intervention, with scores increasing from 13.91 to 18.08. More than 90% of participants also praised the AR-based application for its user-friendliness, effectiveness, and engaging content. "The findings suggest that AR-based learning enhances diagnostic accuracy, spatial reasoning, and engagement in health professions education," the researchers conclude.

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