Developing arthroscopic skills can be far more complex than those required for open surgery, as the student must work in such an abstract way. For someone with only open experience, it's a complete shift from how they've worked in the past, and specialized tools and models are essential for accurate training. Arthroscopic skills simulators of varying complexities can help students adapt to this new way of operating.

Arthroscopic Skills Simulator Options

More than a few options are available for developing arthroscopic skills, from low tech, DIY tools to highly detailed models. Typically, students will use a variety of learning aids as they work through training.

Type	Pros	Cons
DIY Camera Tools There are many ways to build an amateur arthroscopy training rig, typically using a webcam and some piping or box. This tool is for basic skills development rather than any specific surgery.	Early learning: Students need to learn how to maneuver cameras and tools in an enclosed space. Practicing this on an expensive model would be wasteful. DIY is an excellent early learning option. Low cost: The cost of one of these is simply the cost of a low-fidelity camera and some piping. It's a nominal expenditure in most cases. Simple to source: All these items are easy to locate at just about any retailer or hardware store.	Low quality: This is a low-quality option that will not provide a lot of detail for students. It's a bare-bones approach for learning basic techniques. Limited purpose: The student will not be able to learn about specific injuries and repair processes. Assembly: Someone will have to assemble the cameras and pipes for students, or the student will have to create their own.
Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training (FAST) These modular workstations allow students to increase their basic arthroscopic skills in a variety of environments.	Multipurpose: Students can learn a variety of knots and surgical movements in various models. Quantity: Groups of FAST models allow individuals to practice various techniques simultaneously. Reusable: These tools can be used over and over again without the need to frequently replace pieces.	Low level: FAST models are targeted towards students who are just beginning their arthroscopic training.
Arthroscopic Skills Acquisition Tool (ASAT) The ASAT is a lower fidelity option that allows students to practice the essential components of an arthroscopy by controlling a shape matching and movement process using simulated tools.	Enhanced detail: This is a step up from simpler models that allows students to get a bit closer to realistic procedures. They can be used to practice specific surgeries. Cost: ASAT units can be quite affordable when compared to the cost of higher fidelity models or cadaver acquisitions. Reusable: Units can be used over and over again with no cleanup and little maintenance required.	Availability: ASAT models may be challenging to source, especially for specific systems. Limited purpose: The ASAT model will typically target a single type of surgical procedure. Varying quality: With many vendors entering this market, it's not always easy to find highly accurate models that will prepare students for surgery.
High-fidelity arthroscopy simulator The high fidelity arthroscopy simulator will include the camera, computer, and body model. The model replicates tendons, bones, and existing injuries based on the surgery type.	Extreme detail: Units essentially include all the components involved in arthroscopic surgery, including realistic body parts featuring common injuries. Advanced procedures: These models are suitable for training students in a clinical setting and allow them to brush up on skills or learn new techniques. Reusability: These models can be used repeatedly with only the need to replace small parts. This makes them ideal when compared to more expensive alternatives or hard-to-source medical cadavers.	Varying quality: Not all companies produce the same level of medical models, so it's crucial to vet providers carefully. Single-purpose: While models may be used for multiple surgeries in the same area, they're not entirely all-purpose. High level: Models may be too complex and detailed for students just beginning arthroscopic training.

Most students will confront all of these surgical training tools at some point or another. Of course, determining when they're ready to move on to actual patients is another matter.

Moving Beyond Practical Training

Every instructor will approach advancing students differently. Transferring new skills to an actual surgical setting is a long-tailed process that will depend on the student's abilities, experience level and comfort. In many cases, instructors use all the above tools in a tiered process. As the student gains mastery of one, they move on to the next.

A student may start on a FAST model but have access to the ASAT model when they complete a series of sutures and movements a fixed number of times. The same goes for the ASAT model. When they move onto more complex models, they'll need something with haptic feedback and windows so instructors can ensure they've transferred those skills to a realistic environment.

The ability to transfer movements learned on an arthroscopic skills simulator to a surgical environment will depend on the detail of the model. The student should have as much training as possible—in a realistic setting—and increase complexity as they master skills. This approach is the best way to prepare them for success as they transition out of training and into practice.

Sawbones offers a wide range of arthroscopic skills simulators to help support training for these surgeries. Visit our contact us page or call 206-463-5551 to learn more.

Engineering Team | Sawbones

Our engineers, cultivated through our partnership with Pacific Research Laboratories, access a wide range of processes and tools to develop medical educational supplies for universities, hospitals, research and development, and more. Our years of experience creating these products allow us to make stock and custom models for all purposes.