Experience using immersive virtual reality simulation during an AO trauma regional course in Latin America

Abstract

Virtual reality has been used in orthopedics for several years now, both as a training and assessment tool. The use of extended reality technologies in surgical training and simulation is the most developed and validated of all the current applications. However, formal and massive implementation in continuous orthopedic education has yet to happen. This report aimed to present our experience during the first AO trauma regional courses in Latin America that incorporated the use of immersive virtual reality (IVR) simulation as a hands-on activity as part of the program. IVR was used for the first time as part of a course activity during the advanced principles of fracture treatment course as part of the AO regional courses in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2022. The activity was implemented for 120 participants in a back-to-back fashion. Each participant used the IVR simulation for the trochanteric nail application and did a traditional hands-on exercise with a synthetic bone model. An appreciation survey was answered by participants. Seventy-four persons answered the survey. About 62% considered that the IVR simulation was like reality, and 76.38% thought that IVR was helpful in the learning process. The majority (91.6%) would like to use IVR for training, and 93% would be willing to use IVR again. This was the first time, IVR simulation was implemented as a massive and structured educational activity during the principles of fracture treatment course. Participant feedback was positive, and most people would use IVIR again. A systematic way of implementing IVR simulation sessions with educational goals needs to be developed for these activities.