Arthroscopy Surgical Simulation: insightArthroVR System

The insightArthroVR arthroscopy surgical simulator provides arthroscopy training on knees and shoulders in a realistic virtual reality environment.   The 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 swivelled much like real arthroscopic tools, helping the trainee 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.   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 practise the psychomotor skills for arthroscopy.   These training modules include: Basic skills, providing training in holding the instruments in an ergonomic position and developing camera, optic and triangulation skills; Shoulder arthroscopy, allowing students to learn the correct exploration of the glenohumeral joint and the subacromial space, recognise the various pathologies, and treat them; 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 trainee gets 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.   It records user actions and tracks progress over time and it conducts analyses that can help personalise teaching sequences and reduce learning curves in a verifiable way.