Content and Face Validity Assessment of the Sim-K Haptic-Feedback Enhanced Total Knee Replacement Virtual Reality Simulator

摘要

ObjectivesVirtual reality simulators for open orthopaedic procedures, such as total knee replacement (TKR), are uncommon compared toarthroscopic or fluoroscopic procedures. The Ossim Sim-K is to our knowledge the first virtual reality TKR simulator with hapticfeedback and we sought to investigate the face and content validity of the first iteration of this device.MethodsThirty members of the local orthopaedic department were recruited for this study. After completing a full simulation, eachcandidate completed a questionnaire utilising a 7-point Likert scale throughout, to assess face and content validity. Candidateswere deemed either inexperienced or experienced based on whether they had performed less or more than 40 TKRrespectively.ResultsQuestionnaire results were positive for all items related to both face and content validity, though inexperienced surgeons weremore positive about the Sim-K in 7 of the 10 face validity items and 2 of the 5 content validity items.ConclusionsThe Sim-K was well received, particularly by inexperienced surgeons with respect to both face and content validity. The Sim-Krepresents a promising start in the production of a TKR simulator with haptic feedback. With further development this systemhas the potential to be valuable in the training of orthopaedic surgeons.Declaration: This work was funded by OSSimTech (Montreal, Canada), developer of the Sim-K TKR Simulator. No authorsreceive direct funding or have a financial interest in the company.