Just last week, VirtaMed introduced the ArthroS Hip Module at the EFORT (European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology) Congress in Geneva, Switzerland. Now, says the company, surgical trainees have access to its safe access training for portal placement, fluoroscopic imaging, diagnostic tours, and therapeutic cases.
VirtaMed Introduces ArthroS Hip Module
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“There’s really no reason for patients to suffer our learning curves when there’s technology that can replace that, ” states Robert Pedowitz, M.D., orthopedic surgeon and VirtaMed adviser, in the news release.
As indicated in the news release, “VirtaMed’s new hip arthroscopy simulator features various diagnostic and therapeutic cases, but the tool has been developed with a special focus on access training: the anatomic model looks, feels and behaves like a real hip, so trainees can palpate the bony landmarks or manipulate the joint to find their way. Thanks to the virtual reality interface, surgeons in training will also learn to use fluoroscopic imaging in a safe, radiation free environment.”
“The new hip module will be a part of the VirtaMed ArthroS simulator; previous modules include knee and shoulder, as well as the FAST module for basic skills training. Switching between these modules is easy and the simulator platform is also compatible with VirtaMed products for urological and gynecological training. Like all VirtaMed simulators, the ArthroS Hip Module also features original tools, numerous different patient cases, and a fully customizable course structure for independent proficiency-based learning.”
Rick Hoedt, executive VP of Business Development at VirtaMed, told OTW, “The ArthroS is the leading and most realistic training simulator in the market, combining the rubber model approach with all the benefits of virtual reality. We have recently expanded the product offering from knee, shoulder and FAST basic skill trainer to include the hip joint, which allows access training and fluoroscopy imaging training, both of which have never been done before.”
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This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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