A Multi-procedural Virtual Reality Simulator for Orthopaedic Training

Abstract

Interactive simulation based on virtual reality (VR) offers a valuable complement to the conventional apprenticeship for surgical skills training. Orthopaedic VR surgical training is relatively new but has been quickly evolving over the last decade. A few simulators are commercially available to train the high volume arthroscopic procedures. However, open orthopaedic interventions are thus far inadequately covered. This paper presents a prototype of a multi-procedural VR platform accommodating three different anatomical sites. An iterative development process was employed to develop the interactive simulator. This stems from the fact that the overall quality, accuracy and realism of a medical task simulation requires an optimal balance between several interdependent factors and that surgical cues are often automated in the expert. The VR prototype targets open orthopaedic surgery training. It integrates the use of tactile and visual feedback for bimanual interactive practice of technical and procedural skills in three different specialties: transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in spine surgery, antegrade femoral nailing in traumatology and orbital floor reconstruction in craniomaxillofacial surgery. The working prototype meets the requirements established with the subject matter experts (SMEs). The next step targets the validation by residents and surgeons for surgical skills training.