Learning by doing virtually.
Selective reduction of bone without collateral damage (nerves, teeth) is essential in apicectomy. To test whether skills acquired on a virtual apicectomy simulator (VOXEL-MAN system with integrated force-feedback) are transferable from virtual to physical reality, two groups of trainees were compared. Group 1 received computer-based virtual surgical training before performing an apicectomy in a pig cadaver model. The probability of preserving vital neighboring structures was improved significantly, i.e. six-fold, after virtual surgical training (P<0.001). The average volume of the bony defects created by the trainees of Group 2 (mean: 0.47 ml) was significantly (P<0.001) larger than by the trainees of Group 1 (mean: 0.25 ml). Most importantly, the ability to objectively self-assess performance was significantly improved after virtual training. Training with a virtual apicectomy simulator appears to be effective, and the skills acquired are transferable to physical reality.
von Sternberg
N
N
University of Hamburg, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hamburg, Germany.
Bartsch
M S
MS
Petersik
A
A
Wiltfang
J
J
Sibbersen
W
W
Grindel
T
T
Tiede
U
U
Warnke
P H
PH
Heiland
M
M
Russo
P A J
PA
Terheyden
H
H
Pohlenz
P
P
Springer
I N
IN
D000541:Alveolectomy; D000818:Animals; D001047:Apicoectomy; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D007858:Learning; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000473:pathology; D009048:Motor Skills; D012647:Self-Assessment; D013515:Surgery, Oral / Q000193:education*; D013552:Swine; D014584:User-Computer Interface