Utility assessment of virtual reality technology in orthopaedic surgical training
Authors: Allan Le, Anton Lambers, Andrew Fraval, Andrew Hardidge, Jitendra Balakumar
Site: Austin Health, VIC
This study explored the use of virtual reality (VR) technology in orthopaedic surgical training, specifically in the context of total hip replacements. While VR has been widely adopted in other surgical fields, its use in orthopaedics has been limited and a trial VR room in a teaching hospital was established. The study aimed to determine which experience level in orthopaedic trainees would benefit the most from VR while also assessing the feasibility, enjoyability, and efficiency of completing the training modules before performing actual surgeries.
A total of 24 participants with varying levels of experience completed a VR module doing simulated hip replacements using the Fundamental Surgery program. The results indicated that non-training orthopaedic registrars, who are early in their careers, would benefit the most from VR training. They have the steepest learning curve and can use VR to build necessary skills before performing surgeries. Participants rated the VR module highly for enjoyment (4.2 out of 5), with 88% recommending it to colleagues. In terms of performance, half of the participants completed the module in 25 to 31.5 minutes and achieved 80% to 95% of the tasks.
The study concluded that VR is a feasible and enjoyable tool for orthopaedic training. Non-training registrars were identified as the group that could gain the most from using this technology, which offers an effective way to practice complex procedures and handle rare complications in a risk-free environment. The completion time and task performance demonstrated that the training could be efficiently used before performing real surgeries, highlighting its potential as an adjunct to traditional training methods.
