Validation of a virtual reality-based simulator for shoulder arthroscopy.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Simulation
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Shoulder arthroscopy requires extensive training.
• Current training methods may lack realism and accessibility.
• Virtual reality (VR) simulators offer a potential solution for surgical skills training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the face and construct validity of a novel VR-based shoulder arthroscopy simulator.
• To assess the realism and training potential of the simulator.
• To evaluate the simulator's ability to differentiate between surgical skill levels.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-one participants (25 novices, 26 experts) performed tests on the VR simulator.
• Face validity was assessed via a 7-point Likert scale questionnaire.
• Construct validity was evaluated by comparing simulator performance metrics (e.g., operation time, pathway) between novices and experts.

Main Results:

• The simulator received high ratings for realism (median 5.5) and training capacity (median 5.8).
• Experts demonstrated significantly shorter operation times than novices in both diagnostic and therapeutic tests (p < 0.0001).
• Most performance metrics reliably differentiated between skill levels, with minor exceptions in camera pathway during therapeutic tests.

Conclusions:

• The VR shoulder arthroscopy simulator exhibits high realism and training capability.
• The simulator effectively distinguishes between novice and expert surgical skills.
• Further refinements, particularly for therapeutic arthroscopy, could enhance its utility as a training and assessment tool.