Innovation in Orthopaedic Surgery Education: Novel Tools for Modern Times

Abstract

Orthopaedic residency training has and will continue to evolve with a wide variety of changes. Hands-on surgical simulation “boot camps,” computerized simulation of surgical process, and even virtual reality simulators, all can help trainees acquire surgical experience without compromising patient care. Low-cost training modules help remedy the rising costs associated with teaching complex orthopaedic surgery skills. Motion tracking and checklists help refine standardization of assessment. As technology and healthcare systems continue to grow, we encourage training programs to keep pace by considering engagement of these tools.

Teaching in Orthopaedic Surgery: Effective Strategies for Educating the Modern Learner in a Modern Surgical Practice

“…Amidst the technological progress over the past decade, surgical simulation has also emerged as a durable tool for training orthopaedic surgery residents and fellows 30 , 32 , 33 . Agyeman et al examined current literature to assess how surgical simulation bootcamps and virtual reality simulations are being used today 30 . They found that surgical simulation orientation “camps” were reported to be helpful in improving self-confidence and basic surgical skills.…”

“…To maintain education, solutions that combine modern technology with conventional methods of education have been skillfully and creatively used. In particular, e-learning and simulations, including those that incorporate virtual and augmented reality, have emerged as powerful and cost-effective tools for educating residents [30][31][32][33][34] .…”

Virtual Reality in Orthopedic Surgery Training

“… 30 Furthermore, programs vary in the type of simulator available at their institution given the higher cost associated with higher fidelity simulators. 31 For example, just one high fidelity arthroscopic simulator can cost as high as $10,000. 17 It is therefore important to continue to explore the efficacy and value VR training adds to resident education to justify the high cost of the technology.…”

Orthopaedic Surgery First-Year Resident Surgical Skills Month Curriculum

“…Two programs have been published regarding their dedicated month, and their 1-month courses have been well received by their residents 2 , 3 . There continues to be no consensus on the best way to accomplish the goal of preparing orthopaedic PGY1 residents best by using low stakes in training modules/sessions 4 . We aim to describe our reasoning and the mechanics behind our 1-month surgical skills course we developed for our PGY1 orthopaedic surgery residents.…”