Development of a vibration haptic simulator for shoulder arthroplasty

Abstract

Purpose

Glenoid reaming is a technically challenging step during shoulder arthroplasty that could possibly be learned during simulation training. Creation of a realistic simulation using vibration feedback in this context is innovative. Our study focused on the development and internal validation of a novel glenoid reaming simulator for potential use as a training tool.

Methods

Vibration and force profiles associated with glenoid reaming were quantified during a cadaveric experiment. Subsequently, a simulator was fabricated utilizing a haptic vibration transducer with high- and low-fidelity amplifiers; system calibration was performed matching vibration peak–peak values for both amplifiers. Eight experts performed simulated reaming trials. The experts were asked to identify isolated layer profiles produced by the simulator. Additionally, experts' efficiency to successfully perform a simulated glenoid ream based solely on vibration feedback was recorded.

Results

Cadaveric experimental cartilage reaming produced lower vibrations compared to subchondral and cancellous bones ( \(p\le 0.03\) ). Gain calibration of a lower-fidelity (3.5  \({g}_{\mathrm{pk-pk}}, 0.36\,{g}_{\mathrm{rms}})\) and higher-fidelity (3.4  \({g}_{\mathrm{pk-pk}}, 0.33\,{g}_{\mathrm{rms}})\) amplifier resulted in values similar to the cadaveric experimental benchmark (3.5  \({g}_{\mathrm{pk-pk}}, 0.30\,{g}_{\mathrm{rms}})\) . When identifying random tissue layer samples, experts were correct \(52\pm 9\%\) of the time and success rate varied with tissue type ( \(p=0.003\) ). During simulated reaming, the experts stopped at the targeted subchondral bone with a success rate of \(78\pm 24\%\) . The fidelity of the simulation did not have an effect on accuracy, applied force, or reaming time ( \(p>0.05\) ). However, the applied force tended to increase with trial number ( \(p=0.047\) ).

Conclusions

Development of the glenoid reaming simulator, coupled with expert evaluation furthered our understanding of the role of haptic vibration feedback during glenoid reaming. This study was the first to (1) propose, develop and examine simulated glenoid reaming, and (2) explore the use of haptic vibration feedback in the realm of shoulder arthroplasty.