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Investigating Hip Arthroplasty Femur Preparation Training Using a Haptic-Enabled Virtual Reality Simulation
Justin M T Duncombe1, Pierre Camaly de Brosses2, Al-Amin M Kassam3
1Department of Public Health and Sport Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
Surgical Innovation
|October 3, 2025
Summary
Haptic virtual reality (VR) training did not significantly improve hip arthroplasty skills compared to traditional methods in medical students. VR may serve as an adjunct, but realistic modules are crucial for effective surgical skill development.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Medical Education
- Virtual Reality Simulation
Background:
- Surgical skill acquisition faces challenges due to limited operative experience.
- Virtual reality (VR) simulation is a promising training tool.
- Evidence on haptic-enabled VR for surgical training is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if haptic-enabled VR technology accelerates hip arthroplasty skill acquisition.
- To compare haptic VR training with traditional mentor teaching.
Main Methods:
- Twenty medical students were randomized into haptic VR or traditional teaching groups.
- Training duration was 60 minutes.
- Outcomes included implant depth error, operative time, and technical skill assessment.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in implant depth error (P = .705) between groups.
- Technical skill ratings (P = .704) and operative time (P = .551) also showed no significant differences.
- Both groups performed a simulated hemiarthroplasty on SawBone models.
Conclusions:
- Haptic VR training did not outperform traditional methods in this study.
- VR can be a valuable adjunct for early-stage surgical training.
- Realistic VR modules and effective haptic feedback are essential for complex procedures.
