Virtual Reality Simulation Facilitates Resident Training in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Education Technology
• Surgical Simulation

Background:

• No prior studies evaluated virtual reality (VR) simulation for orthopedic surgery resident training.
• Assessing VR's efficacy in improving skills for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if VR simulation enhances postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) orthopedic residents' performance in cadaver THA.
• To investigate if VR simulation offers preferential benefits to specific surgical skills or knowledge.

Main Methods:

• A blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 14 PGY-1 orthopedic residents.
• Baseline assessment via written test and cadaver THA, followed by randomization to VR-THA simulation or control group.
• Post-intervention assessment using a second cadaver THA and test to measure score improvements.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in test score improvement between VR and control groups (P = .078).
• VR cohort showed a significant improvement in overall cadaver THA scores (P = .048).
• Statistically significant improvement in technical performance for the VR cohort (P = .009).

Conclusions:

• VR simulation enhances PGY-1 orthopedic residents' surgical skills, particularly technical aspects.
• VR simulation did not significantly impact medical knowledge in this study.
• VR simulation shows potential as a key component of orthopedic surgical training curricula.