Construct Validity and Experience of Using a Low-cost Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Simulator.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Developing affordable and reproducible surgical simulators is crucial for medical training.
• Validating simulators to objectively assess surgical skill is essential for effective education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a low-cost, reproducible arthroscopic knee surgery simulator.
• To assess the simulator's ability to differentiate between novice and experienced arthroscopists.
• To evaluate the simulator's acceptance and usefulness in medical training.

Main Methods:

• A partial meniscectomy procedure was performed using the simulator.
• Objective visual parameters, the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool, and Likert scale perceptions were used for assessment.
• Thirty medical students and 10 orthopedic surgeons participated.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences were observed between students and surgeons in all objective parameters and skill evaluation domains.
• Students took longer and had higher error rates compared to surgeons.
• Over 90% of participants found the simulator useful, enjoyable, and valuable for training.

Conclusions:

• The validated arthroscopic knee surgery simulator demonstrates construct validity.
• The simulator is effective in objectively measuring surgical skills and distinguishing between skill levels.
• The simulator is well-accepted and applicable for medical education and training.