ARTHROSCOPY TRAINING USING A BLACK-BOX TECHNIQUE

In orthopaedic surgery residency, arthroscipic training is an essentia l component and one of the educational program requirements. A system using standard arthroscopy instrumentation and a ''black box'' has bee n developed for the purpose of teaching basic arthroscopic surgical sk ills in a laboratory setting. The black box component can be used as a dry or wet model, permitting a variety of arthroscopic techniques to be mastered under controlled circumstances. This unit has provided exc ellent feedback from residents and staff, and is cost effective. The b asic principles of the orthopedic black box can be adapted for the dev elopment of basic skills in other specialties.