What arthroscopic skills need to be trained before continuing safe training in the operating room?

The purpose of this study was to generate consensus among experienced surgeons on what skills a resident should possess before continuing safe training in the operating room (OR). An online survey of 65 questions was developed and distributed to surgeons in the European community. A total of 216 responded. The survey included 15 questions regarding generic and specific skills; 16 on patient and tissue manipulation, 11 on knowledge of pathology and 6 on inspection of e-anatomical structures; 5 methods to prepare residents; and 12 on specific skills exercises. The importance of each question (arthroscopic skill) was evaluated ranging from 1 (not important at all) to 6 (very important). Chi-square test, respondent agreement, and a qualitative ranking method were determined to identify the top ranked skills (p < 0.05). The top four of general skills considered important were anatomical knowledge, tissue manipulation, spatial perception, and triangulation (all chi-square test > 134, p < 0.001, all excellent agreement > 0.85, and all high priority level). The top ranked 2 specific arthroscopic skills were portal placement and triangulating the tip of the probe with a 30-degree scope (chi-square test > 176, p < 0.001, excellent agreement, and assigned high priority). The online survey identified consensus on skills that are considered important for a trainee to possess before continuing training in the OR. Compared with the Canadian colleagues, the European arthroscopy community demonstrated similar ranking.