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Learning and retaining simulated arthroscopic meniscal repair skills
W F M Jackson1, T Khan, A Alvand
1Oxford Orthopaedic Simulation and Education Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Biomedical Research Unit, University of Oxford, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, United Kingdom.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|September 21, 2012
Summary
Orthopaedic residents retained arthroscopic meniscal repair skills without practice for six months, challenging previous assumptions about skill decay. This study highlights the robustness of learning complex surgical tasks.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Surgical Skill Acquisition
- Motor Learning
Background:
- Previous research indicated technical skill loss after six months without practice.
- The study aimed to assess the learning curve and skill retention for arthroscopic meniscal repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively measure the learning curve of arthroscopic meniscal repair using motion analysis.
- To determine the effect of interrupted practice on skill retention in this complex surgical task.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen orthopaedic residents performed 12 simulated meniscal repairs over three weeks.
- Motion analysis tracked time, distance, and hand movements.
- Residents were randomized into groups with varying practice schedules (monthly, three-monthly, or none) over six months.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in motion analysis parameters were observed during initial learning (p < 0.0001).
- Some residents reached a plateau, while others continued improving.
- No significant skill loss was detected in the group with a six-month practice break (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Contrary to prior studies, arthroscopic meniscal repair skills were retained over a six-month interruption.
- Skill acquisition and consistency varied among residents, with some benefiting from extended practice.