Virtual Reality Simulation for Orthopedic Surgical Training: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence and Educational...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Medical Simulation
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Traditional orthopedic surgical training faces challenges due to reduced work hours and ethical considerations.
• Virtual reality (VR) simulation offers a supplementary educational tool to address these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence supporting VR simulation as an effective tool in orthopedic surgical training.
• To identify the benefits, challenges, and future directions of VR in surgical education.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes findings from a meta-analysis and existing literature on VR interventions in orthopedic surgery.
• The review examines the impact of VR on knowledge scores, clinical operations, and surgical design.

Main Results:

• VR interventions significantly improve trainees' knowledge, clinical operation scores, and surgical design capabilities.
• VR enhances competency, dexterity, and spatial awareness in procedures like arthroscopy, hip replacement, and trauma fixation.
• Skills acquired through VR simulation demonstrate transferability to the operating room.

Conclusions:

• VR simulation is a valuable educational tool for orthopedic surgery, improving skill acquisition and surgical performance.
• Further validation of VR simulators and integration of advanced technologies like AI are crucial for future development.
• VR is expected to become integral to orthopedic education, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.