Significant improvement in arthroscopic skills of orthopaedic residents using fresh-frozen porcine knee models.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of fresh-frozen porcine knee models as a practical arthroscopic training tool for orthopaedic residents. Between 2019 and 2024, orthopaedic residents from multiple institutions participated in annual wet laboratory training sessions using fresh-frozen porcine knee models. Each session included a structured diagnostic arthroscopy with 21 tasks. The number of completed tasks, task completion time, and the Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) score were recorded before and after training. Spearman's rank correlation was used to analyse associations between prior experience and training outcomes. A total of 104 orthopaedic residents were included. Performance improved significantly after training: completed tasks increased from 13.0 (9.0-21.0) to 21.0 (20.8-21.0); task completion time decreased from 300.0 (282.3-300.0) to 266.0 (200.8-300.0) seconds; and ASSET scores improved from 12.0 (10.0-16.0) to 21.0 (16.0-24.0) (all p < 0.001). Baseline performance was positively related to prior experience, but improvements were consistent across all levels, with greater relative gains among less experienced participants. Fresh-frozen porcine knee training significantly improved arthroscopic skills in a large, multi-institutional cohort of orthopaedic residents. This model is cost-effective, anatomically realistic, and readily implemented, making it especially valuable for early-stage trainees in settings with limited resources. Level IV, educational study.