This project initiates research to enhance current training modalities in orthopaedic surgery by using computerized training and assessment systems. Simulations will be designed such that residents can experience surgical procedures hands-on before operating on patients. Ex-vivo training on virtual systems will familiarize residents with real-life scenarios, minimize the risk to patients and allow for competence based advancement of residents. We will provide an inexpensive, multi-use solution to complement current training methods in Orthopaedic Surgery.

This project is be a collaboration between the Dept. of Orthopaedics, and Dept. of Computer Science and Engineering. Dr. Lawrence Bone is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, Chair of the Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, a full professor and the Program Director of Residency Education. Dr. Vipin Chaudhary is an associate professor with the Dept. of Computer Science and Engineering, and has experience in designing augmented surgical systems for neurological procedures, and in high performance computing. Dr. Chaudhary is the director of Computer Aided Diagnostics and Imaging, a research team with experience in computing areas that are critical to this project: high performance computing, haptics, and 3D visualization.

Virtual training systems have been designed for minimally invasive procedures like endoscopy and arthroscopic surgery. However, a realistic training environment for orthopaedic surgery is limited by the huge computing requirement (>540 TFlops) that rivals the performance of supercomputers (>$1 million). We are working to develop novel simulation algorithms and architectures which can divide the different computing tasks to dedicated processors and meet the high-speed requirements at a reasonable cost. To ensure realistic feedback of orthopaedic surgical devices, we will use haptic interfaces that provide greater degrees of freedom, high speed, and smooth response, allowing a resident to perform the entire range of motions required during surgery. The initial focus will be to develop a simulation of surgery which can be recorded for evaluation. This recording will serve as the assessment system providing a means to demonstrate proficiency prior to advancement. The goal is to enhance current training modalities in orthopaedic surgery while improving patient outcomes by providing objective measures of training assessment.

By taking advantage of the advances in computer technology, we would like to change the status of medical education while decreasing the risk to patients and ideally increasing patient outcomes. Training systems using computer simulations have achieved maturity and recognition in minimally invasive surgery, for example endoscopic gastro-intestinal procedures, or arthroscopic knee surgery.

The model will allow a surgeon to complete the operation, have a recorded copy of the procedure and if desired have an assessment completed by one or a series of raters. Our assessment tool will allow for the demonstration of mastery at all stages of the operation in one or repeated trials and evaluations. This model will allow for an outcomes assessment of different surgical techniques, errors, and new procedures or implants.