Fundamentals Of Arthroscopic Skills Training (FAST) To Advance Hand Eye Abilities

Arthroscopic skills training furnishes surgeons with a wildly different skill set than those used in open surgery. Arthroscopy’s nature as a minimally invasive procedure demands hand-eye abilities in the operating room. The Fundamentals Of Arthroscopic Skills Training (FAST) program helps medical students advance hand-eye coordination skills with a dedicated workstation and sequential modules.

FAST Program and WorkStation for Arthroscopic Skills Training 

The FAST program was developed by the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS). Sawbones was selected to develop the FAST workstation thanks to its proven expertise in manufacturing bone and joint models. 

In the study entitled ‘Objective Assessment of Knot-Tying Proficiency With the Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training Program Workstation and Knot Tester’ by Pedowitz, et al., results showed that training with the FAST workstation reduced knot failure rate by 50%. The trial compared the performance of residents training with the FAST workstation to residents and faculty who only trained with a traditional curriculum. The study authors concluded that even experienced surgeons can benefit from training with the FAST program. 

Hands-On Arthroscopic Skills Training

Hands-on arthroscopic skills training is essential for developing ambidextrous triangulation. But few dedicated skill stations exist to help students build proficiency in this area. The FAST workstation is designed with this need in mind and serves as a three-dimensional tool for improving psychomotor skills such as surgical cutting, grasping, moving, and tying knots. 

Moreover, the program is based on the learning principle that basic surgical skills should be taught and mastered sequentially. Therefore, the FAST program progressively builds on basic skills to advance hand-eye ability and proficiency. 

The program provides video demonstrations, and step-by-step instructions—Modules in the workstation do not come with them. The workstation is equipped with arthroscopic tools and visualization equipment, as well as accessories for specific lessons. 

Motor Exercises to Advance Hand-Eye Ability 

The FAST curriculum begins with students learning to set up the workstation and arthroscopic instruments. Then the lesson moves on to physical manipulation of common surgical instruments used in arthroscopy. The next level of motor skills practice involves the placement of skin portal markings for knee and shoulder procedures. Using the workstation, students can practice precise placement within 5 mm of the desired position. 

Instruction progresses to basic triangulation skills and basic skills in interventional arthroscopy. Lessons can focus on camera and instrument handling using both dominant and non-dominant hands. Students can advance from the clear lid to the opaque lid to practice visualization while performing the exercises satisfactorily. 

The workstation helps learners master basic tasks (such as picking up objects) and procedural exercises (such as retrieving loose bodies and probing) with anatomical models. FAST modules emphasize minimal contact with articular surfaces to train students in avoiding damage to surrounding soft tissue and cartilage. 

FAST Arthroscopy Workstation

Includes Knot Tying Module, Maze Module, Vertical, and Horizontal Ring Transfer Module, Resection-Suture Passage Module, Shoulder Module (Dome Holder), and Simple Probing and Targeting Module, among others.

Suturing Practice

The FAST program stresses motor skills training in suturing. Using the workstation, orthopaedic students can practice:

• Suture anchor placement into foam bone models under a lucent and opaque cover
• Suture handling and movement using different portals while keeping suture anchor intact
• Passing sutures through tissue using a flat board and anatomical model under a clear and opaque cover
• Practice suturing techniques, including pierce and grab, pierce and carry, and pierce and shuttle

The premium FAST workstation includes a portable arthroscopic camera (PAC) system to help students improve visualization techniques when working with the opaque shell. 

FAST Arthroscopy Workstation Premium

Includes Portable Arthroscopic Camera (PAC) System and Netbook 

Arthroscopic Knot Tying

The FAST workstation helps students master arthroscopic knot tying skills through repeated practice. Learners start practicing with rope before moving on to sutures or fishing lines. Finally, students perform knot-tying exercises using a camera and a scope.

FAST arthroscopic skills training in knot tying covers:

• Duncan loop
• Simple slider
• Tennessee slider
• Weston
• Harryman 1/2 hitches
• Revo-SCOI 

Knot tying lessons advance from using the clear shell to the opaque shell using a camera and a scopeas with the previous modules. 

FAST Arthroscopy Workstation Premium with Knot Tester

Includes Portable Arthroscopic Camera (PAC) System, Netbook, and Knot Tester add-on 

Advanced Motor Skills Training 

After basic arthroscopic skills training, students can proceed to more advanced FAST training exercises to further enhance hand-eye coordination. This includes practicing on a clear shell and gradually progressing to an opaque shell to mimic visibility challenges in arthroscopy procedures. 

Advanced exercises include:

• Random Number Probing | Students probe and punch 10 numbers on a random sequence in less than 146 seconds. 
• Horizontal Ring Transfer | Students practice with the grasper to transfer rings from one post to the other without dropping rings.
• Maze | Students move ball bearings through a maze using the probe in less than 139 seconds. 

All advanced exercises in the program provide specific modules and step-by-step instructions—Modules in the workstation do not come with them. 

FAST Parts and Accessories 

FAST Maze Module	FAST Opaque Shell	FAST Vertical Ring Transfer Module

While anatomical and procedural knowledge can be acquired, it does not always translate to surgical skill and successful performance. The FAST program and workstation help students build proficiency and hand-eye ability in arthroscopic skills training, including probing, suture passing, and knot tying. The workstation is also designed to improve visualization by using clear and opaque shells under video control. FAST trainer products help both beginning and experienced surgeons improve precise motor skills in arthroscopic procedures. 

Arthroscopic Skills Training with FAST Workstation

Sawbones' FAST Training System is designed to advance medical students' hand-eye ability through versatile and repeatable arthroscopic skills training. Each activity and module progressively builds proficiency in probing, targeting, suturing, and arthroscopic knot tying, among others. Users can choose from the FAST Arthroscopy Workstation, Premium Arthroscopy Workstation, Knot Tester Workstation, and Premium Arthroscopy Workstation with Knot Tester. FAST Workstation parts and accessories are also available.

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