Impact of cadaveric practices on arthroscopic knee training for Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology residents

Abstract

BackgroundThere currently is a considerable variability in the content of training programs and courses for orthopaedic surgeons in training. Besides this, there is still no consensus regarding which is the most effective methodology for improving learning of the technique or for its qualitative evaluation. A study was carried out to assess the influence of carrying out a cadaveric practical course on the acquisition of arthroscopic technical skills in fifth-year residents. MethodsA knee arthroscopy cadaveric course was performed in which forty-eight students participated. Different technical aspects during a knee arthroscopy, as well as the residents skill and the execution time were evaluated before and after the course using a specific questionnaire. ResultsThere was a significant statistic improvement between the initial and final evaluation, increasing from 11,7 till 17,1 (maximum 20) points. Also, a significant improvement in all the parameters analysed was observed; the identification of anatomic structures, the palpation and the time necessary for the arthroscopic knee check (P = ,001, P = ,032, P = ,015 respectively). ConclusionA knee arthroscopy cadaveric course improves significantly the technical skills of surgeons in training.