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VirtaMed ArthroS™

  • Validated to accelerate the learning process and improve student performance
  • Provides the most realistic training environment possible with photorealistic graphics and natural haptic feedback 
  • Reduces training time and cost with proficiency-based training and assessment 
  • Multiple anatomic modules (knee, shoulder, hip, and ankle) on one platform

We believe in supporting the entire arthroscopic learning journey

The VirtaMed ArthroS™ prepares trainees for the operating room quickly and efficiently. Support your trainees through their arthroscopic learning journey with progressively more complex training cases and society-endorsed and competency-based curriculum.

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Numerous medical training institutions have found that integrating simulation into their curriculum both improves training outcomes and ultimately supports better patient care.

Accelerate Training

  • Simulators offer risk-free hands-on experience where students can make mistakes and test boundaries.
  • Teach with original instruments and highly realistic graphics to ease the transfer of skills from the simulator to the OR.
  • Step-by-step instructions help students develop basic arthroscopy skills before guiding them through increasingly complex diagnostic and therapeutic cases.

Inspire Success

  • Objectively assess trainees’ skills to set benchmarks and targets. Ensure trainees achieve predetermined levels of proficiency prior to entering the OR.
  • Use our society-endorsed courses to help students reach benchmarks, or work with us to create world-class courses of your own. 
  • Provide students with detailed feedback reports to quickly identify areas for improvement.

Save Time and Money

  • Trainees with regular access to a simulator reach defined proficiency levels more quickly, meaning that they get into the OR sooner.
  • Residents first trained on a simulator take less time to complete procedures once they are in the OR - and make fewer errors.
  • Trainees enter the OR having already mastered the basics and can focus on learning more complex skills.

Dr. Robert T. Burks, M.D., Dept. of orthopedic surgery, University of Utah, USA

The ability of the simulator to show a large number of different pathologies, to identify them and to document them distinguishes the VirtaMed ArthroS™ from training on conventional models, but also from training in the operating room or on cadavers where this high number of variability is not present. This is really what makes the VirtaMed ArthroS™ a unique training tool.

Download factsheet VirtaMed ArthroS™ (PDF)

Fundamentals of Arthroscopy Surgery (FAST)

Give your trainees the skills they need to succeed in the operating room. The VirtaMed ArthroS™ FAST module uses real instruments and a series of competency-based courses to teach trainees the Fundamentals of Arthroscopy Surgery Training (FAST). The VirtaMed's FAST model was developed in collaboration with the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) as part of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) mandate for surgical skills training.

The FAST module accelerates learning by providing structured and ambidextrous training of arthroscopy skills such as image centering, horizon control, telescoping, triangulation, and using different optics. A strong foundation in the use of common arthroscopic instruments better prepares trainees for the next steps in their educational journey.

FAST 2.0

VirtaMed ArthroS™ Knee

Trainees have access to multiple didactic videos and a collection of expertly-designed and society-endorsed courses. This includes courses developed jointly with the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) and courses designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the operating room.

Basic exercises and guided diagnostic tours develop instrument skills and teach trainees to identify key landmarks within the right knee. Therapeutic cases then give trainees the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills on a variety of knee pathologies including meniscus lesions, arthrosis, synovial membrane inflammations, and loose bodies. 

Concepts of ACL Reconstruction

The supplementary ACL Reconstruction module is an add-on to the ArthroS™ Knee module. Developed specifically to teach ACL reconstruction, in this module trainees learn to diagnose an ACL tear, remove the injured ligament, and find the optimal locations for the replacement graft. The nature of the simulator allows students to explore in a risk-free environment how slight changes in the replacement graft's location can affect the joint function.

Trainees gain experience through a variety of available cases, ranging from partial to complete ACL tears. Cases also include different complications encountered during routine ACL reconstructive procedures, better preparing trainees for the operating room. 

VirtaMed ArthroS™ Shoulder

VirtaMed's shoulder module supports both beach chair and lateral decubitus positions, and realistic joint movements, just like in the operating room. Trainees practice shoulder navigation with a 15-point shoulder exam and subsequent therapeutic cases let them hone their newly acquired skills on a variety of shoulder pathologies including SLAP and bankart lesions, PASTA tears, synovial membrane inflammations, impingements, and loose bodies.

A collection of expertly-designed and society-endorsed courses, including courses developed jointly with the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA), give trainees a solid arthroscopic foundation.

See the NEW Shoulder 2.0 in action!
ArthroS Shoulder 2.0 Hardware

VirtaMed ArthroS™ Hip

Using simulation, you can teach all the hip essentials in a risk-free environment and have trainees master these skills all before they enter the operating room. 

Provide the full clinical experience with real surgical tools, replaceable hip inserts, hip flexation and femur rotation, joint traction, and the ability to palpitate bony landmarks. VirtaMed ArthroS™ Hip's new radiation-free fluoroscopy feature lets you teach correct access points without the additional costs of traditional fluoroscopic imaging or unnecessary exposure to radiation.

Once they have the basics of hip arthroscopy mastered, therapeutic cases give trainees the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills on a variety of hip pathologies including lesions in the labrum and cartilage, cam impingement, synovial inflammation, and loose bodies.


Read about the VirtaMed ArthroS™ Hip release

VirtaMed ArthroS™ Ankle  

Given the inherent difficulty of ankle arthroscopy, simulation is a great risk-free training tool. The ArthroS™ Ankle module supports supine and posterior patient positioning and the opportunity to visualize the anterior and posterior aspects of the left ankle joint. 

Leverage basic exercises and guided diagnostic tours to develop trainees' instrument skills and teach trainees to identify key landmarks within the ankle. Therapeutic cases give trainees the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills on a variety of ankle pathologies, including anterior impingement, cartilage defects, synovitis, and loose bodies. 

See the ankle module in action!

Ergonomic platform

The VirtaMed ArthroS™ ergonomic platform is compatible with all VirtaMed orthopedic training modules: FAST, Knee, Shoulder, Hip and Ankle. Each module can be easily mounted on the platform, and switching from one to the other can be done within 30 seconds.

Trainees use original instruments and tools such as an original arthroscope, probe, grasper, cutting punch, and shaver. The instruments are equipped with sensors and allow for fluid handling, camera technique, and familiarize trainees with the concept of 0, 30, and 70-degree optics.

Original instruments and anatomically correct rubber models are combined to give a realistic tactile feel. Tracked with sub-millimeter precision, the instruments and models are perfectly aligned with arthroscopic virtual reality graphics. 

Software designed specifically for surgeons


VirtaMed's software is designed to simplify arthroscopic skill acquisition. 
  • Inside and outside views of the articulation help trainees orient themselves as they learn joint navigation.
  • Horizon control indicators and warning messages train proper instrument usage.
  • Guidance arrows support trainees in learning important anatomical landmarks.
  • Feedback reports with video and images allow you to immediately debrief with the trainee after each case. These reports also identify learning opportunities and track learning progress over time. 

 

ArthroS Knee 1.6 Feedback Report

Support

We offer several different levels of service and support packages tailored specifically to the needs of hospitals and training centers. These can provide you with complete coverage (and peace of mind) when it comes to protecting your investment and getting the most out of your simulator. More about VirtaMed customer service and support

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VirtaMed Connect™

Access your simulator data anywhere and anytime with VirtaMed's Connect.

Keep your focus on education with remote access; conveniently assign courses, manage curricula, and motivate students with online leader boards, all from the convenience of your office.

Connect lets you track student and cohort progress, helping you easily coach students on key areas for improvement and capture and compare student results over time.

Use Connect to scale simulation to your needs. Because it is cloud-based, Connect can help you easily manage multi-simulator or multi-site training programs. 

Go to the Connect FAQs Webpage

VirtaMed Connect Brochure

Training & Education


Our T&E team is here to help you get the most out of your simulator. In addition to introductory sessions, the T&E team offers in-depth training in a variety of areas and in multiple languages (English, German, French, Italian and Chinese). The T&E team can organize trainings that are as diverse as our customers, catering to groups of all sizes and interests. For example, they have helped customers develop courses for trainees preparing for the European board exam or the Swiss Orthopedic exam as well as courses for experienced professionals looking to train on the less-common joints such as the ankle. More about the VirtaMed Training & Education services

Active vs Passive Haptic Feedback Technology in Virtual Reality Arthroscopy Simulation: Which is Most Realistic?

Vaghela KR, Trockels A, Carobene M.

 Virtual Reality (VR) simulators are playing an increasingly prominent role in orthopaedic training and education. Face-validity - the degree to which reality is accurately represented - underpins the value of a VR simulator as a learning tool for trainees. Despite the importance of tactile feedback in arthroscopy, there is a paucity for evidence regarding the role of haptics in VR arthroscopy simulator realism.

The ASSET Global Rating Scale is a Valid and Reliable Adjunct Measure of Performance on a Virtual Reality Simulator for Hip Arthroscopy

Bishop M, Ode G, Hurwit D, Zmugg S, Rauck R, Nguyen J, Ranawat A.

 The purpose of this study is to further evaluate the construct validity and interobserver reliability of a hip arthroscopy virtual simulator using the Arthroscopic Surgery Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) global rating scale.

Cadaver versus Simulator Based Arthroscopic Training in Shoulder Surgery

Gazi Huri, Mert Ruşen Gülşen, Ece Belen Karmiş, Doğaç Karagüven

 There are few studies that compare the cadaver dissections with the medical simulators in means of talent improvement. Therefore, the aim of this study is to find out if using cadaver dissections is still the golden standard for surgical training or using the medical simulators in surgery could replace cadaver dissections

Surgical Games: A Simulation-Based Structured Assessment of Orthopedic Surgery Resident Technical Skills

Blevins J, Felix K, Ling D, Sculco P, McCarthy M, Demetracopoulos C, Ranawat A, Fufa D.

 We describe the development and implementation of a timed, multitask, station-based Surgical Games to evaluate orthopedic resident surgical skills. (ArthroS™, VirtaMed AG, Schlieren, Switzerland)

Simulation-based Arthroscopic Skills Using a Spaced Retraining Schedule Reduces Short-term Task Completion Time and Camera Path Length

Li Wei, M.D. Zhang Kai-Jun Yao Shun Xie Xiaobo, M.D. Han Weiyu, Ph.D. Xiong Wei-Bin, M.D. Tian Jing, M.D.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether acquiring basic knee arthroscopic skills via a spaced retraining schedule could prevent skills deterioration and achieve further skills improvement.

Virtual Reality Simulator Improves the Acquisition of Basic Arthroscopy Skills in First-year Orthopedic Surgery Residents

Walbron P, Common H, Thosazeau H, Hosseini K, Peduzzi L, Bulaid Y, Sirvequx F.

 Arthroscopy training using a virtual reality (VR) simulator is said to improve the training of orthopedic surgery residents, although it has never been evaluated in a large representative population of first-year residents.

Validation of a Novel Hip Arthroscopy Simulator: Establishing Construct Validity

Cychosz C, Khazi Z, Karam M, Duchman K, Willey M, Westermann R.

 To assess the face, content and construct validity of a virtual reality hip arthroscopy simulator (ArthroS™, VirtaMed AG, Schlieren, Switzerland)

Validation of the Hip Arthroscopy Module of the VirtaMed Virtual Reality Arthroscopy Trainer

Gallagher K, Bahadori S, Antonis J, Immins T, Wainwright TW, Middleton R.

 To assess the face, content and construct validity of a virtual reality hip arthroscopy simulator (ArthroS™, VirtaMed AG, Schlieren, Switzerland)

Lessons Taught by a Knee Arthroscopy Simulator About Participants in a European Arthroscopy Training Programme

Baumann, Q., Hardy, A., Courage, O., Lacombes, P., Accadbled, F., European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society Sports Study Group, Junior French Arthroscopic Society.

Investigates the hypothesis that a theoretical and practical training course improves the scores achieved on an arthroscopy simulator task.

Validation of a Virtual Reality–Based Hip Arthroscopy Simulator

Bauer D, Wieser K, Aichmair A, Zingg P, Dora C, Rahm S

 To assess construct and face validity of a novel virtual reality–based hip arthroscopy simulator using the previously validated Arthroscopic Surgery Skills Evaluation Tool (ASSET), metric parameters, and a questionnaire.

Efficacy of an Arthroscopic Virtual Based Simulator for Orthopedic Surgery Residents by Year in Training

Yari S, Jandhyala C, Sharareh B, Athiviraham A, Shybut T.

Determine the utility of the ArthroS™ arthroscopic simulator for orthopedic trainees based on their level of training (to determine at what point in training the simulator offers the most benefit for trainees).

Efficacy of Standardized Training on a Virtual Reality Simulator to Advance Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopic Motor Skills.

Rahm S, Wieser K, Bauer DE, Waibel FWA, Meyer DC, Gerber C, and Fucentese SF.

 Most studies demonstrated, that training on a virtual reality based arthroscopy simulator leads to an improvement of technical skills in orthopaedic surgery. However, how long and what kind of training is optimal for young residents is unknown. In this study we tested the efficacy of a standardized, competency based training protocol on a validated virtual reality based knee- and shoulder arthroscopy simulator.

Virtual Reality Surgical Simulation for Arthroscopy Training

Robert A. Pedowitz

 There is little doubt that the medical profession stands at a major crossroads with regards to the fundamental structure of surgical education. Although the apprenticeship model has been used for centuries, we are rapidly moving toward a new era of proficiencybased education. This transition is motivated by several important factors, including greater emphasis upon patient safety, increased focus on educational efficacy, and a shift toward objectively measured performance outcomes (i.e., demonstration of clinical proficiency). At the same time, the paradigm shift is challenged by limitations imposed by trainee work hour restrictions and by the initial investments and ongoing expenses associated with implementation of new training paradigms.

Which Global Rating Scale? A Comparison of the ASSET, BAKSSS, and IGARS for the Assessment of Simulated Arthroscopic Skills.

Middleton RM, Baldwin MJ, Akhtar K, Alvand A, Rees JL

 BACKGROUND: With the move to competency-based models of surgical training, a number of assessment methods have been developed. Of these, global rating scales have emerged as popular tools, and several are specific to the assessment of arthroscopic skills. Our aim was to determine which one of a group of commonly used global rating scales demonstrated superiority in the assessment of simulated arthroscopic skills.

Validation of the updated ArthroS simulator: face and construct validity of a passive haptic virtual reality simulator with novel performance metrics

Patrick Garfjeld Roberts, Paul Guyver, Mathew Baldwin, Kash Akhtar, Abtin Alvand, Andrew J. Price, Jonathan L. Rees

 Purpose: To assess the construct and face validity of ArthroS, a passive haptic VR simulator. A secondary aim was to evaluate the novel performance metrics produced by this simulator.

Knee, Shoulder, and Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training: Validation of a Virtual Arthroscopy Simulator

Josef N. Tofte, Brian O. Westerlind, Kevin D. Martin, Brian L. Guetschow, Bastián Uribe-Echevarria, Chamnanni Rungprai, Phinit Phisitkul

 Purpose: To validate the knee, shoulder, and virtual Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Training (FAST) modules on a virtual arthroscopy simulator via correlations with arthroscopy case experience and postgraduate year.

Comparison Of Three Virtual Reality Arthroscopic Simulators As Part Of An Orthopedic Residency Educational Curriculum

Kevin D Martin, DO, MAJ, MC, Craig C Akoh, MD, Annunziato Amendola, MD, Phinit Phisitkul, MD

 Orthopedic education continues to move towards evidence-based curriculum in order to comply with new residency accreditation mandates. There are currently three high fidelity arthroscopic virtual reality (VR) simulators available, each with multiple instructional modules and simulated arthroscopic procedures. The aim of the current study is to assess face validity, defined as the degree to which a procedure appears effective in terms of its stated aims, of three available VR simulators.

Asymmetry in Dominant / Non-Dominant Hand Performance Differentiates Novices from Experts on an Arthroscopy Virtual Reality Serious Game

Robert PEDOWITZ, MD, PhD, Gregg NICANDRI, MD, and Stefan TUCHSCHMID, PhD

 Safe and effective arthroscopic surgery requires ambidextrous motor skills. The current study examined dominant versus non-dominant hand performance on a virtual reality serious game in a group of expert arthroscopic surgeons (n=15) compared to a group of orthopedic surgery residents (n=10).

Validation of a virtual reality-based simulator for shoulder arthroscopy

Stefan Rahm, Marco Germann, Andreas Hingsammer, Karl Wieser, Christian Gerber

 This study was to determine face and construct validity of a new virtual reality-based shoulder arthroscopy simulator which uses passive haptic feedback.

Evaluation of a virtual-reality-based simulator using passive haptic feedback for knee arthroscopy

Sandro F. Fucentese, Stefan Rahm, Karl Wieser, Jonas Spillmann, Matthias Harders, Peter P. Koch

 Simulator training in orthopaedics is still in its infancy. The aim of this study is to determine face and construct validity of a new virtual reality simulator (VirtaMed ArthroS™) for diagnostic and therapeutic knee arthroscopy by analysis of simulator metrics of participants with varying arthroscopy experience.

AANA Exclusive Partnership

 The Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) and VirtaMed have signed a two-year collaboration agreement making VirtaMed the preferred and exclusive partner for Virtual Reality Simulation training. ANNA and VirtaMed will work together to advance and improve the training of arthroscopic surgery skills and standards for proficiency-based training curricula by leveraging the latest virtual reality simulation technology and ANNA’s expertise in Arthroscopic Surgery education.
AANA Exclusive Partnership

SFA and CFCOT Collaboration

 Since 1 November 2017, every surgical resident in France is supposed to get training on a simulator. To determine the best approach for arthroscopy, the French College of Orthopedic Surgery (CFCOT) is conducting a nationwide study in arthroscopic training methods in collaboration with the Francophone Society of Arthroscopy (SFA) and VirtaMed. The second data set will be collected during a tour to several University Hospitals, concluding at the Western Orthopedic Society (SOO) Congress in Rennes on 28–30 June, 2018.
SFA and CFCOT Collaboration

Reference Center Balgrist University Hospital, Switzerland

 Balgrist University Hospital wants to provide thorough hands-on medical training for new practitioners without compromising patient experience and safety. This is why they helped us develop the VirtaMed ArthroS™ orthopedics simulator.
Reference Center Balgrist University Hospital, Switzerland

Reference Center Würzburg, Germany

 As the very first hospital in Germany, König-Ludwig-Haus uses the arthroscopy simulator VirtaMed ArthroS™ for the education of resident physicians. The simulator is an inherent part of the curriculum and receives positive feedback from young surgeons. Dr. Stephan Reppenhagen also perceives a positive effect on the learning curve of young physicians, way before their first guided procedure in the operating room.
Reference Center Würzburg, Germany

Reference Center University of Utah, USA

 The University of Utah wanted to enhance surgical education in the orthopedic department. The goal is simply to use the latest educational means available for the training of young surgeons, i.e. virtual reality simulators. After comparing the different simulators currently on the market and their training abilities, the decision was clear. Watch the video below and see why Dr. Burks of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery prefers the VirtaMed ArthroS™ arthroscopy simulator over other training tools.
Reference Center University of Utah, USA

Reference Center Orthopaedic Research Institute of Bournemouth University, UK

 The Orthopaedic Research Institute of Bournemouth University is the first place in the world to train on their own VirtaMed ArthroS™ hip simulator. Profs. Rob Middleton and Tom Wainwright from BUORI know how difficult it is to train for the keyhole surgery that hip arthroscopy needs, and want to provide their trainees the opportunity to do so. The orthopedic surgeons at BUORI continue to help VirtaMed develop the hip to the needs of physicians.
Reference Center Orthopaedic Research Institute of Bournemouth University, UK

Reference Center University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine

 Founded in 1971, UMKC's School of Medicine has always been ahead of the curve in training physicians. The School’s innovative curriculum provides students with early and continuous patient-care experience and fully integrates liberal arts/humanities, basic sciences and clinical medicine. The learning environment de-emphasizes competition and encourages learning through close faculty-student interaction and student partnerships.
Reference Center University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine

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