A novel arthroscopy training program based on a 3D printed simulator

Arthroscopy is the most important and exciting contribution to sports medicine of the last 100 years. One of its main limitations, however, is the steep learning curve it requires, which is not easy to beat given the scarcity and the high price of arthroscopy simulators.

To describe and evaluate the effectiveness of an open-access arthroscopy training program based on a 3D-printed simulator.

A model was designed, which was to be printed on a fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printer for home use with polylactic acid (PLA) filaments. Fourteen exercises were prepared, each with its timeframe and conceptual goals, arranged from least difficult to most challenging. Exercises were designed to assist subjects in developing the skills of an experienced arthroscopic surgeon through use of the simulator. Twenty subjects from nine hospitals completed the arthroscopy training program. Performance in each exercise was evaluated according to the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET), taking into account the number of times a student had to repeat each exercise to complete it successfully.

The mean ASSET score for each exercise was 22 points (IQR 19-25) and the mean number of times students had to repeat each exercise was 16 (95% CI 15.27-17.97). Eighty-five percent of subjects completed the program. The device was printed without difficulty by an independent investigator without prior knowledge of 3D printing. The price of the device was under US$ 12.

Subjects exhibited an improvement in their basic arthroscopic skills on the simulator. The number of times each of them had to repeat each exercise was similar, which is indicative of a smooth progression of difficulty along the program. The device proved easy to print, accessible, economical, and effective. This is the first structured program based on an open-access arthroscopic simulator to obtain satisfactory results.