Does virtual-reality training on orthopaedic simulators improve performance in the operating room?

This paper summarises recent validation studies and evidence demonstrating whether training on virtual reality (VR) simulators directly relates to improved performance in-vivo for orthopaedic surgical procedures. This research provides a summary of transfer validity on virtual reality orthopaedic simulators. This covers studies which have shown validation of simulators and have shown the transfer of simulator-acquired skill to the operating room. The findings of this study are that there are 6 studies showing transfer of skill for VR to in-vivo However more studies assessing efficacy and transfer validity are required to conclusively quantify the transfer validity of VR orthopaedic simulators. However there is a popular positive opinion for the ability of VR training to convert into better in-vivo performance. © 2015 IEEE.