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Motion Analysis of Ear Surgery Training on an Ovine Model
Mara Tanase1, Mihai I Tănase2, Marcel Cosgarea1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, ROU.
Cureus
|May 25, 2026
Summary
Surgical training in ear procedures reveals a clear learning curve. Accelerometer analysis shows senior surgeons are significantly faster and more stable than residents and specialists, highlighting areas for targeted training.
Area of Science:
- Surgical training and simulation
- Biomechanics and motion analysis
- Medical education technology
Background:
- Motion analysis is vital for surgical training, particularly in complex ear surgeries like myringotomy and stapedectomy.
- This study used accelerometer sensors to evaluate hand movements in a sheep's head model during surgical training.
- The goal was to differentiate expertise levels by analyzing motion characteristics such as tremor and speed consistency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify motion characteristics that distinguish surgical expertise levels.
- To quantify the efficiency gap between surgical trainees and experts.
- To provide objective metrics for refining surgical training programs.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four participants were categorized into residents (n=10), specialists (n=10), and senior surgeons (n=4).
- Accelerometer sensors collected data on movement time, path length, acceleration, tremor, and speed consistency.
- Statistical analysis involved the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U post-hoc tests with Bonferroni correction.
Main Results:
- Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed across all motion parameters.
- Senior surgeons were substantially more efficient, performing stapedectomy 70.6% faster than residents and 42.9% faster than specialists.
- Residents showed 14% lower speed consistency and 66.7% higher tremor than seniors; specialists had 42.8% higher tremor than seniors.
Conclusions:
- A quantifiable learning curve in surgical skills was demonstrated.
- Objective metrics like efficiency gaps and stability consistency can inform training program design.
- Training should focus on enhancing precision and economy of motion for residents and specialists.
