The outcome of arthroscopic procedures is related to the surgeon’s skills in arthroscopy. Currently, evaluation of such skills
relies on direct observation by a surgeon trainer. This type of assessment, by its nature, is subjective and time-consuming.
The aim of our study was to identify whether haptic information generated from arthroscopic tools could distinguish between
skilled and less skilled surgeons. A standard arthroscopic probe was fitted with a force/torque sensor. The probe was used
by five surgeons with different levels of experience in knee arthroscopy performing 11 different tasks in 10 standard knee
arthroscopies. The force/torque data from the hand and tool interface were recorded and synchronized with a video recording
of the procedure. The torque magnitude and patterns generated were analyzed and compared. A computerized system was used to
analyze the force/torque signature based on general principles for quality of performance using such measures as economy in
movement, time efficiency, and consistency in performance. The results showed a considerable correlation between three haptic
parameters and the surgeon’s experience, which could be used in an automated objective assessment system for arthroscopic
surgery.
Level of Evidence: Level II, diagnostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Each author certifies that he has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing
arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Each author certifies that his institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation, that all investigations
were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent was obtained.