Immersive Virtual Reality for Surgical Training: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Immersive virtual reality (iVR) simulators provide accessible, low cost, realistic training adjuncts in time and financially constrained systems. With increasing evidence and utilization of this technology by training programs, clarity on the effect of global skill training should be provided. This systematic review examines the current literature on the effectiveness of iVR for surgical skills acquisition in medical students, residents, and staff surgeons. METHODS: A literature search was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Web of Science and PsycInfo for primary studies published between January 1, 2000 and January 26, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, extracted data, and assessed quality and strength of evidence using the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument (MERSQI) and Cochrane methodology. Results were qualitatively synthesized, and descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 9650 citations, with 17 articles included for qualitative synthesis. The mean (SD) MERSQI score was 11.7 (1.9) out of 18. In total, 307 participants completed training in four disciplines. Immersive VR-trained groups performed 18% to 43% faster on procedural time to completion compared to control (pooled standardized mean difference = -0.90 [95% CI=-1.33 to -047, I2=1%, P < 0.0001]). Immersive VR trainees also demonstrated greater post-intervention scores on procedural checklists and greater implant placement accuracy compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: Immersive VR incorporation into surgical training programs is supported by high-quality, albeit heterogeneous, studies demonstrating improved procedural times, task completion, and accuracy, positive user ratings, and cost-effectiveness.

Virtual and augmented reality for surgical training and simulation in knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Immersive virtual reality (IVR), augmented reality and mixed reality form a spectrum of extended reality technology integration that has gained popularity in orthopaedics recently. This review article examines the role of extended reality technologies in knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Existing literature on the applications of extended reality technologies in preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation were reviewed. A sample workflow of a novel IVR simulator for improving surgical training was also provided to demonstrate its utility in educating trainees on knee arthroplasty techniques. RESULTS: Extended reality technologies enable the surgeon to visualise patient-specific anatomy in real-time, enhancing preoperative planning and providing intraoperative guidance. IVR technology has the potential to revolutionise modern surgical training and optimise surgical performance in a cost-efficient manner, with current evidence demonstrating favourable immediate skill acquisition and transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Extended reality technologies have a myriad of potential applications in orthopaedic surgery. Further research is needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of its incorporation into training programmes.

Scapulothoracic fusion: outcomes and complications.

BACKGROUND: Scapulothoracic fusion (STF) may be an option to alleviate pain and restore function. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical outcome of patients who underwent STF for the treatment of painful scapular winging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1999 through 2008, 10 patients (12 shoulders) underwent an STF for painful winging of the scapula. The mean follow-up period was 41 months (range, 8-72 months). Indications for STF included winging in association with excessive medial and/or lateral clavicular resection and facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, as well as scapular winging related to combined long thoracic and spinal accessory nerve palsy. A retrospective review was performed to evaluate the subjective shoulder value, visual analog scale score, range of motion, unions, and complications. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant improvement in the subjective shoulder value, visual analog scale score, range of motion, and satisfaction postoperatively. The overall complication rate was 50% (6 of 12). There were 2 persistent nonunions (2 of 12, 17%), and 50% (6 of 12) of all fusions required subsequent hardware removal because of discomfort. Complications included pleural effusion (3 of 12, 25%), hemopneumothorax (1 of 12, 8%) pulmonary embolus (1 of 12, 8%), and infection (1 of 12, 8%). With the exception of the revision nonunion, all complications resolved with no negative sequelae. CONCLUSION: STF results in improved function and pain relief. STF is associated with a high short-term complication rate with limited long-term sequelae.

A systematic review of clinical outcomes for outpatient vs. inpatient shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: Outpatient shoulder arthroplasty is growing in popularity as a cost-effective and potentially equally safe alternative to inpatient arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to investigate literature relating to outpatient shoulder arthroplasty, looking at clinical outcomes, complications, readmission, and cost compared to inpatient arthroplasty. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from inception to 6 April 2020. Methodological quality was assessed using MINORS and GRADE criteria. Results: We included 17 studies, with 11 included in meta-analyses and 6 in narrative review. A meta-analysis of hospital readmissions demonstrated no statistically significant difference between outpatient and inpatient cohorts (OR = 0.89, p = 0.49). Pooled post-operative complications identified decreased complications in those undergoing outpatient surgery (OR = 0.70, p = 0.02). Considerable cost saving of between $3614 and $53,202 (19.7-69.9%) per patient were present in the outpatient setting. Overall study quality was low and presented a serious risk of bias. Discussion: Shoulder arthroplasty in the outpatient setting appears to be as safe as shoulder arthroplasty in the inpatient setting, with a significant reduction in cost. However, this is based on low quality evidence and high risk of bias suggests further research is needed to substantiate these findings.

Novel Application of Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation Training: A Case Report.

CASE: A percutaneous pinning of a slipped capital femoral epiphysis is described after the use of immersive virtual reality (iVR) training. This case report documents the first reported example of an immediate translation of surgical skill from iVR to the operating room. CONCLUSION: There is increasing evidence for the use of iVR in orthopaedic education. Several randomized controlled trials demonstrate improved trainee performance relative to control when measured in analogous operating room assessments. This is the first case report demonstrating direct patient care after the use of iVR. The implications of cost-effectiveness through skill transfer and patient safety are highlighted.

Shoulder surgeon perspective of surgical device representatives: a multinational survey.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the working relationships of shoulder surgeons and surgical device representatives, and benefits or detractors to the operating environment. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to all members of the Codman Shoulder Society, an international group of fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons. RESULTS: The response rate was 44% (59 of 134). Mean yearly case volume was estimated as 253.3 ± 126.7, with 205.7 ± 119.6 cases having a surgical device representative present (81.2%). Among respondents, 41.1% (23 of 56) expressed wishes for the increased presence of device representatives during cases. A majority, 78.6% (44 of 56), felt that the presence of a device representative improved the efficiency of the operating room, with 7.3% (4 of 55) identifying an inability to use certain equipment without instruction. Valued qualities of device representatives were identified as attentiveness, organized, knowledgeable, honest, and available, whereas qualities not valued were pushiness/salesmanship, unpreparedness, disengagement, and disorganized. Median working time with the same representative was 5 years (0.5-20 years) with 94.4% (53 of 56) of respondents identifying desire for familiarity. A large proportion, 42.9% (24 of 56), identified changing their implants based on qualities of device representatives. Only 26.8% (15 of 56) felt that the presence of a device representative should be disclosed to a patient. CONCLUSIONS: High-volume shoulder surgeons partially dictate the use of surgically implanted devices and make decisions based on valued or disvalued surgical device representative traits. Working relationships between the shoulder surgeon and device representatives proceed longitudinally and are significant in establishing long-term company relationships.

Mitigating Surgical Skill Decay in Orthopaedics Using Virtual Simulation Learning.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted orthopaedic training structures for both surgeons and trainees. The concept of skill decay must be considered during inactivity of elective practice. The purpose of this study was to provide an evidence-based curriculum in association with immersive virtual reality (iVR) to prevent skill decay during periods of training cessation and beyond. METHODS: A review of pertinent literature for orthopaedic surgical skill decay was performed. Early experience by faculty instructors and residency and fellowship program directors was gathered from multiple institutions with experience in virtual training methods including iVR. A proposed curriculum for cognitive and manual skill acquisition during COVID-19 was produced from qualitative narrative group opinion. RESULTS: Skill decay can occur on the order of days to months and is dependent on the initial skill level. A novel curriculum for structured continuing medical education during and after periods of surgical disruption including e-learning, virtual meetings, and iVR simulators was produced from expert opinion and based on competency-based curriculum standards. CONCLUSION: Skill decay mitigation strategies should use best available evidence technologies and course structures that satisfy advanced learning concepts. The virtual curriculum including iVR simulators may provide cost-effective solutions to training.

Perceived vs. true glenoid anchor placement: a cadaveric comparison of the beach chair and lateral position.

PURPOSE: To explore whether patient position influences a surgeon's ability to accurately judge anchor position on the glenoid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two anchors were inserted into the glenoid of 8 shoulders. Arthroscopic videos were taken from 3 views (posterior beach chair [pBC], posterior lateral decubitus [pLD], and anterosuperolateral decubitus [asLD]). The shoulders were disarticulated to identify "true" anchor position. Seventeen shoulder surgeons reviewed the videos and indicated anchor positions using the "clock face" method. Accuracy was measured within tolerances, ranging from zero (exact), 0.5 (half-hour), 1.0, and 1.5 hours of "true" position. Intra- and inter-rater agreement was calculated. Post hoc analyses explored for bias dependent on surgical side. RESULTS: The overall accuracy was 34.0%. At tolerances of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 hours, accuracy increased to 82.4%, 95.4%, and 98.0%. With a 30° scope, identification of exact position was more accurate in pBC than pLD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.397; P = .029) but not asLD (OR =1.341; P = .197). At a tolerance of 0.5 hour, the 30° scope was more accurate in pBC than both pLD (OR = 1.444; P = .011) and asLD (OR = 1.728; P = .009). In left shoulders, anchors were perceived as more inferior than true position in asLD and pLD. In right shoulders, anchors were perceived as more superior than true position from pBC and pLD. Inter- and intrarater agreement were highest in pBC with a 30° scope (30° scope weighted kappa = 0.783 and 70° scope weighted kappa = 0.853, respectively). CONCLUSION: Judgment of anchor position on video is most accurate in a pBC view. Inter- and intrarater reliability were also highest from a pBC view.

Metaversion can reliably predict humeral head version: a computed tomography-based validation study.

HYPOTHESIS: Circumstances occur when the determination of anatomic humeral head version is difficult. In the setting of irreparable proximal humeral fracture, there are few reliable intraoperative landmarks to determine anatomic humeral head version. This study tested our hypothesis that the metaphyseal version (metaversion) is a landmark that can assist with correct head version and used computed tomography (CT) to evaluate its reliability as a predictor of anatomic version. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans from 50 consecutive patients (20 women, 30 men) were examined using commercial software. Patients were a mean age of 46 years (range, 17-85 years). Exclusion criteria included previous fracture, arthritis, or humeral deformity. The metaversion and humeral head version were measured. Measurements were conducted independently by 2 surgeons blinded to the results of the other. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation. RESULTS: The mean difference between the metaversion and the humeral head version was 2.5° (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9°-3.9°). The mean difference between metaversion and humeral head version was 1.8° (95% CI, 0.0°-3.6°) in women, 2.9° (95% CI, 0.6°-5.1°) in men, 2.4° (95% CI: 0.6°-4.1°) in right shoulders, and 2.5° (95% CI, -0.1° to 5.1°) in left shoulders. Interrater and intrarater reliability was excellent, 0.97 and 0.98, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal humeral metaphyseal version (metaversion) is an accurate predictor of ipsilateral humeral head version.

Virtual reality in spinal endoscopy: a paradigm shift in education to support spine surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) and endoscopic spine surgery have continually evolving indications in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Endoscopic spine surgery entails treatment of disc disease, stenosis, spondylolisthesis, radiculopathy, and deformity. MISS involves complex motor skills in regions of variable anatomy. Simulator use has been proposed to aid in training and skill retention, preoperative planning, and intraoperative use. METHODS: A systematic review of five databases was performed for publications pertaining to the use of virtual (VR), augmented (AR), and mixed (MR) reality in MISS and spinal endoscopic surgery. Qualitative data analysis was undertaken with focus of study design, quality, and reported outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument (MERSQI) score and level of evidence (LoE) by a modified Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) level for simulation in medicine. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies were retained for data collection. Studies were of intervention-control, clinical application, and pilot or cross-sectional design. Identified articles illustrated use of VR, AR, and MR in all study designs. Procedures included pedicle cannulation and screw insertion, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED), lumbar puncture and facet injection, transvertebral anterior cervical foraminotomy (TVACF) and posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy. Overall MERSQI score was low-to-medium [M =9.71 (SD =2.60); range, 4.5-13.5], and LoE was predominantly low given the number of purely descriptive articles, or low-quality randomized studies. CONCLUSIONS: The current scope of VR, AR, and MR surgical simulators in MISS and spinal endoscopic surgery was described. Studies demonstrate improvement in technical skill and patient outcomes in short term follow-up. Despite this, overall study quality and levels of evidence remain low. Cohesive study design and reporting with focus on transfer validity in training scenarios, and patient derived outcome measures in clinical studies are required to further advance the field.

The evolution of virtual reality in shoulder and elbow surgery.

Virtual Reality (VR) in orthopedic surgery has significantly increased in popularity in the areas of preoperative planning, intraoperative usage, and for education and training; however, its utilization lags behind other surgical disciplines and industries. The use of VR in orthopedics is largely focused on education and is currently endorsed by North American and European training committees. The use of VR in shoulder and elbow surgery has varying levels of evidence, from I to IV, and typically involves educational randomized controlled trials. To date, however, the terms and definitions surrounding VR technology used in the literature are often redundant, confusing, or outdated. The purpose of this review, therefore, was to characterize previous uses of VR in shoulder and elbow surgery in preoperative, intraoperative, and educational domains including trauma and elective surgery. Secondary objectives were to provide recommendations for updated terminology of immersive VR (iVR) as well as provide a framework for standardized reporting of research surrounding iVR in shoulder and elbow surgery.

Improved Complex Skill Acquisition by Immersive Virtual Reality Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There has been limited literature on immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation in orthopaedic education. The purpose of this multicenter, blinded, randomized controlled trial was to determine the validity and efficacy of immersive VR training in orthopaedic resident education. METHODS: Nineteen senior orthopaedic residents (resident group) and 7 consultant shoulder arthroplasty surgeons (expert group) participated in the trial comparing immersive VR with traditional learning using a technical journal article as a control. The examined task focused on achieving optimal glenoid exposure. Participants completed demographic questionnaires, knowledge tests, and a glenoid exposure on fresh-frozen cadavers while being examined by blinded shoulder arthroplasty surgeons. Training superiority was determined by the outcome measures of the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) score, a developed laboratory metric, verbal answers, and time to task completion. RESULTS: Immersive VR had greater realism and was superior in teaching glenoid exposure than the control (p = 0.01). The expert group outperformed the resident group on knowledge testing (p = 0.04). The immersive VR group completed the learning activity and knowledge tests significantly faster (p < 0.001) at a mean time (and standard deviation) of 11 ± 3 minutes than the control group at 20 ± 4 minutes, performing 3 to 5 VR repeats for a reduction in learning time of 570%. The immersive VR group completed the glenoid exposure significantly faster (p = 0.04) at a mean time of 14 ± 7 minutes than the control group at 21 ± 6 minutes, with superior OSATS instrument handling scores (p = 0.03). The immersive VR group scored equivalently in surprise verbal scores (p = 0.85) and written knowledge scores (p = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Immersive VR demonstrated substantially improved translational technical and nontechnical skills acquisition over traditional learning in senior orthopaedic residents. Additionally, the results demonstrate the face, content, construct, and transfer validity for immersive VR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This adequately powered, randomized controlled trial demonstrated how an immersive VR system can efficiently (570%) teach a complex surgical procedure and also demonstrate improved translational skill and knowledge acquisition when compared with a traditional learning method.

Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality on Orthopedic Surgical Skills and Knowledge Acquisition Among Senior Surgical Residents: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Video learning prior to surgery is common practice for trainees and surgeons, and immersive virtual reality (IVR) simulators are of increasing interest for surgical training. The training effectiveness of IVR compared with video training in complex skill acquisition should be studied. Objectives: To evaluate whether IVR improves learning effectiveness for surgical trainees and to validate a VR rating scale through correlation to real-world performance. Design, Setting, and Participants: This block randomized, intervention-controlled clinical trial included senior (ie, postgraduate year 4 and 5) orthopedic surgery residents from multiple institutions in Canada during a single training course. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Data were collected from January 30 to February 1, 2020. Intervention: An IVR training platform providing a case-based module for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for advanced rotator cuff tear arthropathy. Participants were permitted to repeat the module indefinitely. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome measure was a validated performance metric for both the intervention and control groups (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills [OSATS]). Secondary measures included transfer of training (ToT), transfer effectiveness ratio (TER), and cost-effectiveness (CER) ratios of IVR training compared with control. Additional secondary measures included IVR performance metrics measured on a novel rating scale compared with real-world performance. Results: A total of 18 senior surgical residents participated; 9 (50%) were randomized to the IVR group and 9 (50%) to the control group. Participant demographic characteristics were not different for age (mean [SD] age: IVR group, 31.1 [2.8] years; control group, 31.0 [2.7] years), gender (IVR group, 8 [89%] men; control group, 6 [67%] men), surgical experience (mean [SD] experience with RSA: IVR group, 3.3 [0.9]; control group, 3.2 [0.4]), or prior simulator use (had experience: IVR group 6 [67%]; control group, 4 [44%]). The IVR group completed training 387% faster considering a single repetition (mean [SD] time for IVR group: 4.1 [2.5] minutes; mean [SD] time for control group: 16.1 [2.6] minutes; difference, 12.0 minutes; 95% CI, 8.8-14.0 minutes; P < .001). The IVR group had significantly better mean (SD) OSATS scores than the control group (15.9 [2.5] vs 9.4 [3.2]; difference, 6.9; 95% CI, 3.3-9.7; P < .001). The IVR group also demonstrated higher mean (SD) verbal questioning scores (4.1 [1.0] vs 2.2 [1.7]; difference, 1.9; 95% CI, 0.1-3.3; P = .03). The IVR score (ie, Precision Score) had a strong correlation to real-world OSATS scores (r = 0.74) and final implant position (r = 0.73). The ToT was 59.4%, based on the OSATS score. The TER was 0.79, and the system was 34 times more cost-effective than control, based on CER. Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, surgical training with IVR demonstrated superior learning efficiency, knowledge, and skill transfer. The TER of 0.79 substituted for 47.4 minutes of operating room time when IVR was used for 60 minutes. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04404010.

Safety and hospital costs of Achilles tendon surgery: the serendipitous impact of a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management is currently the most common treatment offered for ruptured Achilles tendon; however, the length of hospital stay varies among hospitals. The objective of our study was to compare the costs associated with hospital stay and safety in 2 groups of patients undergoing surgical treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures. The first group of patients represented the surgical arm of a randomized clinical trial, the Multicentre Achilles Tendon Treatment Study (MATTS), and the second group comprised surgically treated patients not included in that trial (non-MATTS). METHODS: We performed an observational analytical retrospective chart review of all patients surgically treated for acute Achilles tendon ruptures at all Calgary-area hospitals over a 3-year period (October 2002-September 2005) who met our inclusion criteria. We determined the costs associated with hospital stay, complications and readmissions for all patients. RESULTS: A total of 282 patients met our inclusion criteria. Hospital admission costs of patients enrolled in the MATTS trial were less than those of non-MATTS patients treated at each of the 3 Calgary adult hospitals. Non-MATTS patients remained in hospital for 1-4 days in contrast to MATTS patients, who were typically admitted and discharged the day of surgery. The complication rate was similar in both groups (MATTS 9% v. non-MATTS 8%). There were no readmissions in the MATTS group and 2 in the non-MATTS group. Between October 2002 and September 2005, an additional $236,436 was spent on non-MATTS patients who underwent surgery for Achilles tendon rupture. CONCLUSION: Acute achilles tendon repair surgery is safe and less costly as an out-patient procedure.

Biologic Options for Glenohumeral Arthritis.

Biologic options for glenohumeral arthritis include intra-articular injections as well as allograft interposition arthroplasty. The objectives of these treatments are reduction of pain and maintenance/improvement in function, while delaying the need for arthroplasty. This article reviews the current evidence for hyaluronic acid injection, platelet-rich plasma injection, and allograft interposition arthroplasty in the young patient with glenohumeral arthritis.

Codelivery of a tea extract prevents morbidity and mortality associated with oral vanadate therapy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Oral administration of vanadate has a strong hypoglycemic effect but results in toxic side effects like life-threatening diarrhea. Tea is known to have potent antidiarrhea effects. We investigated the potential of suspending the vanadate in a tea decoction to reduce the diarrheatic action of vanadate. A concentrated extract of Lichee black tea was, therefore, added to sodium orthovanadate. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were orally gavaged with vanadate suspended in water or in the tea decoction, or with the tea extract alone. Blood glucose levels were assessed daily over 11 weeks with levels greater than 10 mmol/L warranting therapeutic intervention. Both the vanadate/water and vanadate/tea solutions acutely reduced blood glucose. The tea extract alone had no effect. The majority of vanadate/water-treated rats developed diarrhea and mortality rates approached 40%. Vanadate/tea-treated diabetic rats experienced no diarrhea or mortality and liver and kidney analyses (plasma ALT and creatinine, blood urea nitrogen [BUN], and urine-specific gravity) were normal. Animals treated with vanadate/tea retained blood glucose levels less than 10 mmol/L for an average of 24 consecutive days without subsequent treatments. Cataract formation was completely prevented. The mechanism of action of vanadate may have involved beta-cell stimulation because vanadate/tea-treated diabetic rats exhibited normal plasma insulin levels. In summary, because of its long-lasting effects, oral administration, and lack of side effects, vanadate/tea represents a potentially important alternative therapy for an insulin-deficient diabetic state.

Biomechanical analysis of fixation of middle third fractures of the clavicle.

OBJECTIVE: This biomechanical study compares four different techniques of fixation of middle third clavicular fractures. METHODS: Twenty fresh-frozen clavicles were randomized into four groups. Each group used a different fixation device (3.5 Synthes reconstruction plate, 3.5 Synthes limited contact dynamic compression plate, 3.5 Synthes locking compression plate, and 4.5 DePuy Rockwood clavicular pin). All constructs were mechanically tested in bending and torque modes both with and without a simulated inferior cortical defect. Bending load to failure was also conducted. The four groups were compared using an analysis of variance test. RESULTS: The plate constructs were stiffer than the pin during both pure bending and torque loads with or without an inferior cortical defect. Bending load to failure with an inferior cortical defect revealed that the reconstruction plate was weaker compared with the other three groups. The limited contact and locking plates were stiffer than the reconstruction plate but demonstrated statistical significance only with the cortical defect. CONCLUSIONS: As hypothesized, the 3.5 limited contact dynamic compression plate and 3.5 locking compression plate demonstrated the greatest resistance to bending and torque loads, especially in the presence of simulated comminution of a middle third clavicular fracture. The reconstruction plate demonstrated lower stiffness and strength values compared with the other plates, especially with a cortical defect, whereas the pin showed poor resistance to bending and torque loads in all modes of testing. This information may help surgeons to choose the most appropriate method of fixation when treating fractures of the middle third of the clavicle.