Virtual and Augmented Reality for Post-Surgical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation: A Review of Emerging Digital Tools

Post-surgical orthopaedic rehabilitation traditionally faces significant barriers, including low patient adherence and limited access to personalized care. This narrative review critically investigates the potential of VR and AR to transform recovery outcomes. Following a systematic PRISMA-based search strategy of literature from 2022 to 2025, this study evaluates the therapeutic mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and implementation challenges of these digital tools. This review compares theestablished clinical efficacy of VR against emerging AR modalities in orthopaedic recovery. Both technologies leverage neuroplasticity, motor learning, and gamification to facilitate recovery. While technological barriers such as cybersickness and sensor accuracy persist, the integration of VR/AR with AI and telerehabilitation offers a promising paradigm shift toward accessible, data-driven orthopaedic care.