Arthroscopy training

Abstract

Skill in arthroscopy is accepted by most surgeons as being directly related to experience. Therefore, we feel a method to permit arthroscopy training on in vivo knees is useful. A mount called the Walter Reed knee stand was devised to facilitate arthroscopy training in a laboratory setting. Above-the-knee amputation or cadaver amputation specimens can be easily inserted in this stand. As the specimen is held firmly repeated flexion and extension, as well as varus and valgus stresses, can be applied with a minimum of tissue handling for four or more hours per specimen. Utilizing this mount, initial resident instruction, motor skill train ing, multiple portal approaches, operative arthroscopy training, and workshops have been conducted on knee specimens. We feel the knee stand permits a didactic approach, without patient risk, to arthroscopy training.