VirtaMed introduces new hip arthroscopy simulator at EFORT Congress

Safe access training for portal placement, fluoroscopic imaging, diagnostic tours, and therapeutic cases, all wrapped in a combination of an extremely realistic anatomic model and a high-fidelity virtual reality environment. VirtaMed introduces the ArthroS™ Hip Module at the EFORT Congress in Geneva, Switzerland, on 1–3 June.

Image credit: VirtaMed

The hip is a very tight joint, surrounded by critical neurovascular structures, so finding the optimal access points for arthroscopic hip procedures is technically demanding. This takes a lot of practice, and most of the training is still done either on cadavers or live patients. “There's really no reason for patients to suffer our learning curves when there's technology that can replace that”, states Dr. Robert Pedowitz, orthopedic surgeon and VirtaMed adviser.

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.