Arthroscopy Surgical Simulation: insightArthroVR™ System

The insightArthroVR™ arthroscopy surgical simulator provides arthroscopy training on knees and shoulders in a controlled, stress-free, and virtual reality realistic environment. The system, manufactured by GMV, includes:

• Realistic anatomical models validated by experts in arthroscopy and anatomy, including both healthy joints and a variety of pathologies
  
• A multipurpose tool that adapts to different joints and arthroscopic techniques
  
• Skill indicators that allow for practitioner skills evaluation through configurable key performance indicators
  
• A training program in which the practitioner can advance through exercises of increasing difficulty

Realistic Arthroscopy Simulations

The insightArthroVR simulator comprises a base structure with interchangeable plastic models representing knee and shoulder anatomy. The shoulder can be set up in the lateral decubitus or beachchair positions. Sensors detect the working position of the models and recalibrate the system accordingly.

A simulated arthroscopic camera and light source can be independently swiveled much like real arthroscopic tools, helping the surgeon become familiar with a real camera’s 30 degree offset from midline. As the camera is navigated through the simulated anatomy, a virtual image displays on the computer monitor. Representative tools, very similar to the real surgical set, are inserted through the model anatomy and appear as real instruments — hook-shaped probe with laser length marks, ablation probe, or power shaver.

Effective, Step-wise Arthoscopy Training Exercises

Exercises cover a range of arthroscopic skill levels, from basic instrument handling and diagnostics to complex surgical procedures. The insightArthroVR simulator provides a teaching sequence made up of a series of training modules of increasing difficulty that helps to hone the necessary psychomotor skills for arthroscopy. These training modules include:

• Basic skills, providing training in holding the instruments in an ergonomically sound way and developing camera, optic, and triangulation skills.
  
• Shoulder arthroscopy, allowing students to learn the correct exploration of the glenohumeral joint and the subacromial space, recognize the various pathologies, and treat them accordingly.
  
• Knee arthroscopy, where students learn to explore the joint, make a correct diagnosis of the various pathologies, and select the femoral and tibial tunnels for anterior cruciate ligament repair.

Each training module can be adapted to different degrees of difficulty (initial, intermediate, expert). The set of training modules includes both healthy anatomies and various pathologies of the knee and shoulder. The modules give surgeons interactive hands-on practice in diagnostics and the chance to perform more complex surgical procedures, such as subacromial decompression or reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, among others.

Objective, Documented Assessment

One of insightArthroVR system’s main advantages is that it furnishes a set of metrics for objective assessment of skills. It records user actions and tracks progress over time. It also conducts analyses that can help personalize teaching sequences and reduce learning curves in a verifiable way.

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