Virtual Reality in Orthopaedic Residency Training: A Survey of Resident Perspectives and Utilization Patterns

Document Type : LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Authors

Rothman Orthopaedics Florida at AdventHealth, Orlando, FL, USA

10.22038/abjs.2025.88017.3985

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) surgical simulation has become an innovative educational tool in orthopaedic residency, offering a risk-free and immersive training environment. A recent survey of twelve junior orthopaedic residents (6 PGY-1 and 6 PGY-2; mean age 29; 83% male) evaluated a two-month pilot program using VR modules. Residents engaged with VR training for an average of 1–2 hours weekly, focusing on fracture fixation and joint replacement techniques, and rated its effectiveness at 3.1 out of 5. Key barriers to successful implementation included limited protected training time, technical challenges, and device complexity. Recommendations for enhancing VR training included better tactile feedback, more diverse case scenarios, and the integration of real-patient data. Despite these challenges, a majority of residents supported the inclusion of VR in residency programs, recognizing its potential as a valuable supplementary educational resource. Ongoing efforts should address these limitations and evaluate VR's efficacy within the orthopaedic curriculum.

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References

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 13, Issue 11
November 2025
Pages 768-770

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 26 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 14 May 2025

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