Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Whereas arthroscopic surgery allows for proper control of the surgical area, minimizes surgical risks, and promotes quick functional and occupational recovery, the complex anatomy makes arthroscopy difficult to perform. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the impact of a hand arthroscopic surgery training model that would impact on the acquisition of skills necessary for hand pathologies treatment. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental study before and after, involving 16 plastic surgery residents at Fundacioün Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, who had completed at least 2 months of the training program. Before the residents began their training, we measured time and assessed each resident's technique in three exercises using the Arthroscopic Surgery Skills Evaluation Tool (ASSET) scale on a wrist arthroscopy training model that evaluates the skills required for this type of surgical technique. After completing the training program, the training effect was measured using the same three exercises. These variables were tested a second time after training for comparison. RESULTS: An increase in ASSET scale scores was found; we found a significant improvement in safety, arthroscope use, mastery, bimanual dexterity, and movement fluency ( p < 0.03), and an improvement in instrument use and procedure completion was not significant. CONCLUSION: The designed training model allows to acquire and improve skills in hand arthroscopic surgery according to the ASSET scale.