Development and validation of a specific learning system for minimally invasive ultrasound-guided techniques in Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology.

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive techniques have experienced remarkable growth in Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology. However, their learning process is complex, leading to the development of specific simulation models as educational tools.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized phantom-based training program for acquiring skills in ultrasound-guided minimally invasive techniques.

METHODS

A prospective comparative study was conducted with 20 orthopedic surgery residents, assigned to an intervention group (n=10; trained with phantoms) or a control group (n=10; usual training without phantom-based training). Learning transfer was assessed in a cadaver model, technical performance was evaluated using specific rubrics, and self-perceived competence was measured via questionnaires.

RESULTS

The intervention group showed a significantly shorter execution time (P<.001) and fewer attempts (P<.001). Technical performance and self-perceived competence were superior in the intervention group, with significant differences in satisfaction (P=.002), perceived effort (P=.035), and frustration (P<.001).

CONCLUSION

Training with personalized phantoms improves technical performance and self-perceived competence in ultrasound-guided minimally invasive procedures, representing an effective and transferable tool for training in Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology.