Development of a virtual reality based simulation environment for orthopedic surgical training

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) based simulation environments are becoming more widely used in the field of medical surgery. Typically, medical residents practice on cadavers or animals or observing a master surgeon perform surgery. The creation of VR based simulation environments holds the potential in improving the quality of training while decreasing the time needed for training. In this paper, the design and development of a Virtual Surgical Environment (VSE) is described which is used to train medical residents in an orthopedic surgery process known as LISS plating. A discussion of the overall system architecture along with an overview on the adoption of Next Generation Internet frameworks is provided. The results of the initial validation activities is discussed along with a brief outline of the process of designing and building the VSE.