The Effect of Triangulation Simulator Training on Arthroscopy Skills: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the transferability of skills acquired on a low-cost, at-home, nonanatomic triangulation simulation system to cadaveric models. METHODS: We randomized 28 medical students into either a simulator-training group (n = 14) or group with no training (control, n = 14). All subjects were pretested using a standardized checklist of arthroscopic skills on cadaveric knees and shoulders. Training-group subjects practiced on the triangulation simulator for 90 minutes per week for 4 consecutive weeks. Control subjects received no training. All subjects completed a post-test checklist of arthroscopic skills on cadaveric knees and shoulders, as well as 4 training tasks on the simulator. A blinded orthopaedic surgeon evaluated the arthroscopic videos using the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) score. RESULTS: = .532). CONCLUSIONS: Basic triangulation skills may be acquired by training on a low-cost, at-home, nonanatomic triangulation simulation system, although the degree of transferability and universal joint applicability, as well as the existence of an early ceiling effect in skill development, could not be shown. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, randomized controlled trial.