Impact of Simulation Training on Diagnostic Arthroscopy Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Medical simulation
• Surgical education
• Orthopedic surgery

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) simulators offer a safe environment for surgical training.
• Assessing the transferability of VR simulator skills to real-world performance is crucial for surgical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of VR arthroscopy simulator training on novice trainees' performance in both the simulator and cadaveric models.
• To determine if simulator training translates to improved skills in actual surgical procedures.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 28 novice participants was conducted.
• Participants were randomized into a training group (n=14) or a control group (n=14).
• The training group underwent a 3-week VR arthroscopy simulator protocol; both groups were tested on the simulator and cadaveric knee/shoulder models.

Main Results:

• The trained group showed significant improvements in simulator task completion times compared to controls.
• However, no significant correlation was found between simulator performance and cadaveric arthroscopy skills.
• Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool scores did not differ between the trained and control groups for cadaveric procedures.

Conclusions:

• The evaluated VR arthroscopy simulator exhibits an early ceiling effect, limiting skill acquisition.
• Additional training beyond proficiency on this simulator does not yield transferable benefits to cadaveric performance.
• Current VR simulators may not fully replicate the complexities required for advanced arthroscopic surgical proficiency.