How to create an arthroscopy training laboratory using a bovine knee model

Abstract

Objective: Orthopaedic surgeries by video arthroscopy have become increasingly popular, as they allow joint treatment through small incisions and minimal tissue damage. However, their execution requires specific skills from the surgeon, different from open surgery, which can only be achieved through practical training. These skills would be ideally performed on human cadaveric anatomical pieces which, however, can be difficult to access for different reasons. Animal anatomical models for surgical skills training have been used for years in medicine, and we observed that the bovine knee has anatomical characteristics quite similar to that of the human knee. In this study, we explain, step by step, the installation and creation of an arthroscopy laboratory with a bovine model, in an effort to contribute to several training centers in arthroscopic surgery around the world, assisting and guiding such centers to install arthroscopy laboratories and facilitating the improvement of more surgeons.