Home / Simulators / ArthroS
VirtaMed · Arthroscopy
Four joints, three hundred exercises, one measurable outcome. The platform Swiss Orthopaedics has included in the specialty examination since 2013.
The training content, in full
The numbers are taken from the VirtaMed technical sheet for 2025. For the ankle the manufacturer does not state a case count — a dash appears there, not a guess. Individual procedural modules are added on top of the joints.
FAST
300+
Camera handling, bimanual coordination
and triangulation
AVAILABLE
Knee
40+
Full diagnostic arthroscopies
and minor interventions
AVAILABLE
Shoulder
30+
Glenohumeral and subacromial
space; landmark palpation
AVAILABLE
Hip
20+
From basic skills to therapeutic
interventions; central and peripheral
AVAILABLE
Ankle
—
The manufacturer does not state a case count;
risk to cartilage and nerve, absent landmarks
AVAILABLE
THE EXAMINATION
DASS
DEVELOPED BY 10
AGA INSTRUCTORS
The Diagnostic Arthroscopy Skill Score consists of two parts: assessment of a standardised diagnostic knee arthroscopy and assessment of manual dexterity — bimanual coordination and triangulation — using objective measures. Passing the DASS examination is mandatory for the title „AGA Certified Surgeon“.
2
PARTS
10
AGA INSTRUCTORS
Procedural modules
These modules were not written in a marketing department. They were developed together with the Arthroscopy Association of North America and with Prof. Dr Romain Seil — and this is recorded in the manufacturer's technical sheet.
WITH AANA · 10 CASES
Meniscectomy
Partial meniscectomy for appropriate tears — type flap, bucket-handle and horizontal cleavage.
WITH AANA · COMPETENCY PROGRESSION
ACL reconstruction
Anatomical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with BTB graft and interference screw fixation.
WITH PROF. DR ROMAIN SEIL
Meniscal repair
All-inside, outside-in, transtibial technique for the meniscal root and ramp repair via two posteromedial portals.
WITH AANA · COMPETENCY PROGRESSION
Rotator cuff
Portal establishment, correct anchor placement, suture management and fixation steps.
WITH AANA · COPERNICUS CURRICULUM
Bankart
Arthroscopic reconstruction for anterior shoulder instability — knotless anchors and three-anchor technique.
ALL FIVE
Added to the knee or shoulder
The procedural modules are add-ons to the corresponding joint. Which of them make sense for your programme, we clarify in the assessment.
Why the feel is real
01
Resistance
The device returns force. Push too deep and you feel the bone — not merely see it on screen.
02
Tissue deformation
The meniscus and capsule yield and spring back. Touch is learned, not only sight.
03
Original instruments
No imitation, no joystick. The same handles and shafts as in the theatre — with their own weight.
04
Objective metrics
Distance travelled, loss of visibility, cartilage contact, time. The result is a number, not a judgment.
"I encourage every resident to participate — this is the best way to learn arthroscopy."
PROF. DR. ROLAND BECKER · ESSKA
Mandated, not recommended
The strongest evidence is not the study, but the regulation that follows from it.
2013
Swiss Orthopaedics
Part of the specialty board examination.
2018
AANA
Partnership and courses at the Orthopedic Learning Center, Rosemont.
2023
AGA
Mandatory simulator examination for the title „Certified Surgeon“.
2023
ESSKA
First simulator course in January.
Learning pathway
Aligned with ACGME Milestones 2.0 — the same framework by which American residency programmes are measured.
01
Foundational skills
Demonstrates basic surgical skills
LEVEL 1
02
Diagnostic arthroscopy
Performs surgical access with minimal assistance
LEVEL 2
03
Therapeutic procedures
Meniscal repair, rotator cuff, Bankart, CAM decompression
LEVEL 3
04
Advanced procedures
Independently performs core procedures; complex ones — with assistance
LEVEL 4
Evidence for this platform
Not the selection that sounds best — the one the committee will ask about.
2021
Ten hours of arthroscopy simulation training are not sufficient to reach the target level.
The argument against the one-off course — and for a device in your own hospital.
Anetzberger et al.
Knee Surg Sports Traumatol
Arthrosc · DOI 10.1007/
s00167-021-06648-y
2022
Simulation training should become a mandatory part of orthopaedic education.
The position paper from which the AGA and Swiss Orthopaedics regulations derive.
Seil et al.
J Exp Orthop 9:22
2021
DASS shows good validity and reliability in assessing surgical performance.
The prerequisite for any examination using the device to be possible.
Anetzberger et al.
Knee Surg Sports Traumatol
Arthrosc · DOI 10.1007/
s00167-021-06554-3
Two builds
Ergonomic
FOR THE PERMANENT CENTRE
Desktop
FOR COURSES AND CONFERENCES
Independent assessment
Whether ArthroS™ is the right platform for your hospital at all, we clarify before the proposal — including when the answer is “no.”
FAST MODULE — SCREEN RECORDING FROM THE SIMULATOR
VirtaMed ArthroS FAST 1.6 — periscoping exercise with ultrasound probe
FAST — SCREEN CAPTURES
VirtaMed ArthroS FAST 1.6: periscoping exercise — ultrasound probe and virtual phantom
С With the mobile unit, on a day that suits you, with your residents at the instruments.
