Mixed Reality vs. Traditional Arthroscopic Simulation

Comparative Effectiveness of Mixed Reality Versus Traditional Simulation in Arthroscopic Surgical Training: A Parallel-Group Randomized Trial

This randomized controlled trial evaluates and compares the educational effectiveness of two arthroscopic training platforms: a traditional physical bench-model simulator and an immersive Mixed Reality (MR) simulator. Medical students and residents undergo a baseline assessment on a physical knee simulator and are then randomized into either the Traditional Simulator Group (TSG) or the Mixed Reality Simulator Group (MRSG). Participants complete a three-session training protocol focusing on basic psychomotor skills. Trainees are then evaluated on an anatomical knee task to measure true clinical skill transfer. Performance is video-recorded and scored by independent, blinded physicians using the validated Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET).

This parallel-group randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the educational efficacy of Mixed Reality in surgical education. Medical students and residents undergo a baseline assessment on a physical anatomical knee simulator to establish initial skill levels. Following this, participants are randomized into either the Traditional Simulator Group (TSG) or the Mixed Reality Simulator Group (MRSG).

The intervention consists of a three-session training protocol focusing on basic psychomotor skills (specifically horizontal and spatial triangulation) isolated from anatomical clutter. To evaluate true clinical skill transfer, trainees are then tested on an identical anatomical knee task. All performance sessions are video-recorded and subsequently scored by independent, blinded physicians using the validated Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) to ensure objective outcome measurement.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants aged 18 years or older.
• Medical students or junior orthopedic surgery trainees.
• Novices in arthroscopic procedures (no prior practical experience in arthroscopy).
• Voluntary agreement to participate and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any visual, cognitive, or physical impairment that prevents the proper execution of the simulated psychomotor tasks or the use of the MR glasses.
• Inability to attend all three scheduled training sessions.