Author's Reply

Article Outline

• Reference
• Copyright

Professor Wiwanitkit has made some excellent points regarding computer-simulation training for knee and shoulder arthroscopic surgery that required further consideration. The current up-to-date evidence presented in our systematic review has shown that much more work needs to be carried out before firm recommendations can be made regarding the use of this technology as a training tool. This includes considering the benefits of force feedback and haptic technology with modern simulators, as well as the numbers and lengths of training sessions required, and more studies such as that by Howells et al.¹ that identify the benefits of such training methods by improved performance in the operating theater. We agree entirely that a “sense of reality” is a vital requirement of the training process, and although the modern simulators encompass technology to maximize this, they are likely to fall short of the classic cadaveric models. These models, however, are now increasingly difficult to acquire because of limited supplies, rising costs, and bureaucracy. The further development of simulator technology is therefore a vital area of medical education research to enable the safe and timely acquisition of arthroscopic surgical skills by trainee surgeons of the future.

Back to Article Outline

Reference 

1. Howells NR, Gill HS, Carr AJ, Price AJ, Rees JL. Transferring simulated arthroscopic skills to the operating theatre: A randomised blinded study. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2008;90:494–499
   • View In Article
   • CrossRef