Incorporate VR-based simulation training into spine surgery residency curricula as an adjunct to traditional methods¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 4 claims (4 for) · 1 study (1 quant-synthesis), q3 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 4 claims rest on one study

Description¶

Based on the pooled findings, the review recommends that training programs adopt VR simulation as a complement to cadaveric and operative training: "Incorporating VR-based training into residency curricula may facilitate earlier skill acquisition, objective performance assessment, and safer progression along the learning curve." The authors note it is particularly valuable "in settings with limited access to cadaveric models or operative exposure".

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Access to VR simulator platforms and standardized training protocols

Constraints¶

• Evidence derives from simulated or cadaveric outcomes; improvements should not be interpreted as evidence of improved patient outcomes

Target Learners¶

• surgical residents
• early-career surgeons

Target Learning Goals¶

• pedicle screw placement technique
• earlier skill acquisition
• objective performance assessment

Claims¶

• VR simulator training yields a higher rate of optimal (Grade I) pedicle screw placement than traditional training among residents and early-career surgeons [+W]
• VR simulator training improves overall pedicle screw placement success relative to traditional training [+W]
• VR simulator training reduces minor cortical breaches (Grade II placements) in pedicle screw insertion [+W]
• VR-trained trainees show shorter screw penetration distances and fewer displaced screws per resident [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Incorporate theoretically based pedagogical elements (e.g., enactment, generative learning strategies) into IVR procedural training
• Adopt competency-based, outcome-targeted simulation training rather than merely allocating simulation time
• Integrate AI-driven simulation into dental curricula as a complement to traditional training, attending to domain-specific effectiveness and the lack of long-term validated outcomes
• Integrate GAI-based teaching into medical curricula with robust curricular integration, technological support, and systematic training for educators and students
• Integrate high-quality, high-fidelity simulation-based learning into endocrinology curricula alongside traditional methods
• Structure robotic surgery curricula as a stepwise progression in which training modalities complement rather than replace each other
• Integrate virtual reality training as an adjunct into surgical training curricula for junior trainees
• Consider VR as an adjunct to dissection and evaluate cost-effectiveness and adverse reactions when adopting VR for anatomy teaching

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Pasqualotto Eric, Pasqualotto Tales, Lopes Victor Hugo Pinheiro, Lunelli Laura, Santos Lucas Loiola. (2026). Virtual reality surgical simulator training of residents and early-career surgeons for pedicle screw placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-026-05008-1