34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

Performing Arthroscopy requires a special set of oculo-manual skills. To reach a proficient level requires extensive training which needs to be maintained. Training young surgeons, letting them handle instruments, often means that the maintenance of skills for the teacher is difficult. In order to facilitate training and maintenance, the Developer of Individual Skills in Arthroscopy (DISA) is introduced.

Methods:

The DISA model is constructed from LEGO modules, easily available on the web, as well as in LEGO shops in most countries. In order to create a relevant environment for Veterinary Surgeons the construct is similar to the Carpal and Tarsocrural joints.

At www.disasurgery.com  the design can be downloaded free of charge with a list of the relevant parts to be included. There are also photos and instructions on how to create challenging training objectives.

Results:

By using the design, interns have reached a proficiency level, which is far higher than if they had been training on actual surgeries alone, in the same timeframe.

Conclusions:

In the early days of arthroscopic surgery, most surgeons learnt by doing. This meant that there were differing levels of injuries incurred on the joints of our patients. With the development of arthroscopic surgery, this is not acceptable any more. The DISA model allows the senior surgeons to maintain skills, and young surgeons to be trained and self-train, to  a level of proficiency minimizing the risk of collateral damage to actual joints in patients.