Abstract
Advances in mobile device technology combined with the implementation of surgical
simulation have led to the development of novel applications (apps) as a potential
learning tool for surgical trainees. Touch Surgery (TS) (Kinosis Limited, London,
United Kingdom) is a mobile-based app that combines cognitive task analysis with a
virtual reality medium to familiarize the user with a surgical procedure through interactive
rehearsal. The purpose of this study was to compare the educational efficacy of the
TS app with a traditional paper-based learning program in performing a robotic arm-assisted
unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Twelve participants (four interns, four residents,
four adult reconstructive fellows) were randomized to a paper-based technique guide
or learning modules from the Mako Partial Knee (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ) TS app. Trainees
were subjected to a baseline pretest. After preparing with the allocated training
tool, participants completed an immediate posttest followed by a retention test administered
3 weeks later. The TS simulation group demonstrated greater improvement (22% score
increase; p = 0.001) in posttest assessment compared with the control group (10% score increase;
p = 0. 09). The TS simulation group demonstrated better information recall compared
with the control group based on the score differential following the 3-week retention
test. This randomized comparative study demonstrated that the TS app was better than
traditional paper-based learning for both immediate posttest performance and long-term
information recall of the Mako robotic arm-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.
Surgical simulation apps may be an effective learning tool for surgical trainees.
Keywords
unicompartmental knee arthroplasty - robotic arm-assisted - Touch Surgery - surgical
simulation - application
