Abstract
Aim: To investigate the capacity for retention of arthroscopic technical skills.
Methods: Six consultant lower limb surgeons were given standardized instruction on how to perform an arthroscopic Bankart suture on a lab-based ALEX shoulder model. Each surgeon then performed a suture repair three times and returned to repeat the process on four consecutive occasions, approximately two weeks apart. Six months later the same surgeons returned again to repeat the entire process. They received no further tuition or instruction. Their performance was objectively assessed throughout using validated motion analysis equipment to produce learning curves using time taken, number of movements and total path length.
Results: The initial learning curves and the learning curves at 6 months were the same.
Conclusions: Arthroscopic skills were not retained over a 6 month period. The same learning curves were identified suggesting the need for regular repetition of this simulated task if the level of learning is to be maintained. This has implications for technically difficult arthroscopic procedures suggesting a minimum level of frequency is needed to maintain optimum surgical performance.
Correspondence should be addressed to The Secretary, British Elbow and Shoulder Society, Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE
