Evaluating the Impact of Virtual Reality on Orthopedic Trauma Skills Acquisition Among Surgical Residents: Randomized Crossover Study.

Abstract

Background: Orthopedic trauma skills training is time-consuming and expensive. Current training modalities rely heavily on synthetic bone models, anatomical laboratory simulations, or assistance in surgeries (the apprenticeship model). Virtual reality (VR) appears to present a promising complement to current training modalities.

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of VR training on surgical performance and gauged learning preferences among orthopedic trauma residents in Malaysia.

Methods: In total, 123 orthopedic residents were randomly assigned to 2 groups. One group practiced for about 30 minutes using VR glasses, followed by conventional nailing exercises on synthetic bones, while the other group first performed the nailing exercise, followed by VR practice. Performance was measured by time to completion of the exercise, and participants completed a postexercise survey.

Results: Participants who completed VR training before the synthetic bone nailing exercise were significantly faster, completing the task between 4 (P=.05) and 7 (P=.002) minutes more quickly than without VR training. In addition, VR training improved self-assessed performance during the exercise. Survey data revealed that while 43% (50/117) of participants preferred conventional methods of learning (lectures, discussions, and hands-on simulations), 89% (104/117) of participants supported VR use as an adjunct to conventional methods of learning. Less than 2% (2/117, 1.7%) of participants indicated that conventional methods of learning were outdated.

Conclusions: A single session of VR training significantly reduced completion times and improved self-assessment of competence in orthopedic trauma simulation exercises. Although learners continue to value conventional training modalities, there is a strong desire to include VR as a supplementary tool. Its integration into surgical curricula may accelerate skill acquisition, especially in low-resource settings with limited access to high-fidelity simulation labs. In addition, the availability of VR training modules in hospitals could help residents and junior consultants prepare for surgery.