ArthroS™

Comprehensive arthroscopy training simulator with unmatched realism: real graphics, real instruments, real feel. Prepare for the operating room with precision and confidence using our state-of-the-art mixed reality technology.


Our expertise

Welcome to the forefront of arthroscopy training – the ArthroS™. Immerse yourself in the most realistic experience, where anatomical models and authentic instruments pave the way for a seamless transfer of skills from simulation to the operating room. Our modular setup empowers you with tailor-made, cost-efficient training solutions. Experience the future of skill transfer as validated competency-based training elevates your learning curve, ensuring a quicker path to proficiency.


ArthroS™ simulation modules

Fundamentals of Arthroscopy Surgery (FAST)

The FAST (Fundamentals of Arthroscopy Surgery Training) module was developed in collaboration with the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) as part of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) mandate for surgical skills training. It allows residents to acquire the basic motor skills needed for arthroscopy such as camera navigation and bimanual skills. A total of more than 300 exercises are available, ranging from image centering, and periscoping to triangulation and the use of different angled optics.

Add-ons

Diagnostic Arthroscopy Skill Score (DASS)

The DASS was developed by the Society for Arthroscopy and Joint-Surgery (AGA) for the objective assessment of arthroscopic skills. It consists of the evaluation of a standardized diagnostic knee arthroscopy and the evaluation of manual dexterity. Both the FAST and Knee are required for this add-on module.

ArthroS™ Knee

An anatomical knee model with soft skin allows for physical manipulation of the knee joint, including varus and valgus, flexion, extension, hip flexion, hyperflexion, and “figure of 4”. Trainees learn the basics of knee arthroscopy, perform complete diagnostic arthroscopies, and carry out smaller surgical interventions on more than 40 patient cases with different pathologies.

Add-ons

Meniscal Repair Module

Train the all-inside and outside-in repair techniques for radial and peripheral tears. Learn advanced techniques for meniscal root and meniscal ramp tears repair.

ACL Reconstruction Module

Perform an anatomical ACL reconstruction via the anteromedial portal with a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) graft and interference screw graft fixation.

AANA Meniscectomy Module

10 meniscectomy cases for various meniscal tears developed in collaboration with the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA).

Diagnostic Arthroscopy Skill Score (DASS)

The Society for Arthroscopy and Joint-Surgery (AGA) developed DASS for the objective assessment of arthroscopic skills. It consists of the evaluation of a standardized diagnostic knee arthroscopy and the evaluation of manual dexterity. Both the FAST and Knee are required for this add-on module.

ArthroS™ Shoulder

An anatomical shoulder model with soft skin allows for a realistic palpation of landmarks, and movements such as abduction, adduction, flexion, traction, and rotation. 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.

Add-ons

Rotator Cuff Repair Module

Rotator cuff repair is a complex procedure with many steps and multiple instruments. Therefore, practice cases support trainees with step-by-step guidance while master cases are composed of full-length RCR procedures.

ArthroS™ Hip

Zero radiation fluoroscopy simulation allows portal establishment training. Navigate through the central and peripheral compartments using a 70 degrees angled optics and perform minor interventions such as a cam decompression or loose body removal.

ArthroS™ Ankle

The ankle joint is narrow, and the risk of damaging cartilage or nerves is higher than most other arthroscopic surgeries. The curved bone horizon is disorienting, and surgeons often lose track of the exact location of their arthroscope in the absence of visual landmarks. Trainees learn to tackle and overcome these difficulties prior to their first live patients.


Platforms

Ergonomic orthopedic platform

All VirtaMed Modules can be mounted on the height-adjustable Ergonomic Platform, optimized for rapid switching between anatomical models. The platform comes with a high-end PC and adjustable 27” multi-touch screen.

Portable orthopedic platform

The Portable Platform saves space and can be easily transported. The platform is suitable only for a single medical specialty and comes with a 16” multi-touch screen.


Skill progression

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Essential skills

Learn camera navigation and triangulation skills in a non-anatomic setting.

Modules

FAST
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Diagnostic exams

Get familiar with the anatomy and visualize the relevant structures, and learn how to do a standard diagnostic arthroscopy.

Modules

KneeShoulderHipAnkle
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Therapeutic cases

Perform minor surgical interventions such as loose body removal.

Modules

KneeShoulderHipAnkle
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Advanced procedures

Master full-length arthroscopic knee and shoulder procedures, such as Meniscal Repair, ACL Reconstruction, and RCR

Modules

KneeShoulder

Validation studies

Validation of Virtual Reality Arthroscopy Simulator Relevance in Characterising Experienced Surgeons

Virtual reality (VR) simulation is particularly suitable for learning arthroscopy skills. Despite significant research, one drawback often outlined is the difficulty in distinguishing performance levels (Construct Validity) in experienced surgeons. Therefore, it seems adequate to search new methods of performance measurements using probe trajectories instead of commonly used metrics.

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

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.

Validation of a virtual reality-based simulator for shoulder arthroscopy

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


VirtaMed services

Connect

VirtaMed Connect is your all-in-one online platform, securely storing course data in the cloud for 24/7 access. With Connect, course directors effortlessly track resident progress, evaluate cohort and individual performance, and deliver targeted feedback. Plus, it simplifies the implementation of new courses, saving you valuable time while monitoring student progress.

Proficiency development

Technology is transforming medical education and training. VirtaMed's Training and Education team is skilled at developing training programs and optimally integrating active learning solutions into the learning journey.

Service & support

With a Net Promotor Score of more than 90, VirtaMed Services and Support team provides ongoing support, with a proven track record to resolving customer issues swiftly and effectively, ensuring seamless and hassle-free technology experiences.


Supporters

Since 2018, AANA and VirtaMed have been working together to set standards for proficiency-based training in arthroscopy. AANA regularly holds courses with VirtaMed ArthroS™ simulators at their Orthopedic Learning Center in Rosemont, IL. They have also been involved in the development of new simulation training cases and modules. "Our goal is to improve patient care by advancing education in arthroscopy, and we want to ensure all arthroscopic surgeons have access to high-quality skills training and continuous education. Working with VirtaMed’s first-rate simulators, experienced developers and dedicated education specialists helps us reach that goal." claims Dr. Joseph C. Tauro, M.D., AANA Learning Center Committee Chair.

Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)

Since 2017, the 2-day AGA SimulatorTrainingArthroskopie (STArt) courses have been conducted by certified AGA instructors using the VirtaMed ArthroS™. Since 2023, an examination on the VirtaMed ArthroS™ is mandatory in order to become an AGA “Certified Surgeon”. The simulator exam includes assessment of a standardized knee arthroscopy and arthroscopic skills using the Diagnostic Arthroscopy Skill Score (DASS).

Gesellschaft für Arthroskopie und Gelenkchirurgie (AGA)

Since 2013, every doctor planning to specialize in orthopedics in Switzerland has had to pass an exam on a VirtaMed ArthroS™ simulator. The VirtaMed ArthroS™ is used in the part covering anatomy in order to evaluate how the candidates handle tools, how they navigate in the joint, and how they visualize the relevant anatomic landmarks.

swiss orthopaedics

In January 2023, ESSKA launched its first simulator training course for advanced arthroscopists, using VirtaMed ArthroS™ simulators. "I encourage every resident to participate in one of these courses because it is the best way to learn how to arthroscopy in a very structured way." says ESSKA president Prof. Dr. Roland Becker.

European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA)