Effective Skill Transfer From Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training to Shoulder Arthroscopic Simulator in Novices

Purpose To investigate whether novices could improve performance on a shoulder arthroscopic simulator (high-fidelity) through short-term training on a Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training (FAST) simulator (low-fidelity). Methods Twenty-eight novices with no experience in arthroscopy were recruited to perform a pre-test on a shoulder arthroscopic simulator. Then they were randomized into two groups: the experimental group practiced five modules on the FAST simulator three times, and the control group did nothing. The experimental group performed a post-test immediately after FAST simulator practice. Control group rested for 70 minutes after experiencing pre-test before performing post-test. All parameters were recorded by the simulator. Results The experimental group outperformed the control group in terms of total score, procedure time, camera path length, and grasper path length. However, there was no statistical difference in scratching of humerus cartilage or glenoid cartilage. Significant differences were found in the improvement of both groups in total score, procedure time, and camera path length. Conclusions Arthroscopic skills gained after short-term training on FAST simulator could be transferred to the shoulder arthroscopic simulator. This research provides important evidence of the benefits of FAST simulator in shoulder arthroscopy training program.