Training effect of a virtual reality haptics-enabled dynamic hip screw simulator

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Surgical simulation
• Medical education technology

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) simulation provides a safe and controlled environment for surgical training.
• Extensive validation is necessary before integrating VR simulation into medical curricula.
• Dynamic hip screw (DHS) procedures require precise execution for optimal patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the training effect of VR dynamic hip screw (DHS) simulation.
• To determine if VR DHS simulation improves objective performance metrics in surgical trainees.
• To validate VR simulation as a supplementary tool for surgical education.

Main Methods:

• 52 surgical trainees naive to DHS procedures were randomized into a training group (5 attempts) and a control group (1 attempt).
• Participants repeated the procedure after one week to assess skill retention.
• Objective performance metrics included procedural time, fluoroscopy time, radiographs, tip-apex distance (TAD), guide-wire insertion attempts, and probability of cut-out.

Main Results:

• The VR training group demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all measured metrics compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
• Key improvements included a 68% reduction in procedural time, 75% less fluoroscopy, and an 85% lower probability of cut-out.
• Trainees reported a realistic learning experience and recognized the value of VR simulation in formal training.

Conclusions:

• VR DHS simulation effectively enhances the objective performance of surgical trainees.
• The study validates VR simulation as a beneficial tool for surgical training.
• VR simulation can be safely integrated into surgical curricula to improve trainee skills and patient safety.