A new wide-angle arthroscopic system: a comparative study with a conventional 30° arthroscopic system

Purpose To compare users’ hand movements in performing validated shoulder arthroscopic tasks between a 30° and a wide-angle arthroscopic system, using phantom models with an optical motion analysis system. Methods Twelve orthopaedic residents were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups. In order to compensate for any learning effect, a Latin square counterbalancing technique was used. An optical motion analysis system was used with markers affixed to pre-designed sites; each participant conducted four validated shoulder arthroscopic tasks using both arthroscopic systems. Each participant was instructed to perform the experiment three times with each arthroscope. The time taken, total path length, number of movements, and average acceleration were analysed. Results Significant differences were observed for the time taken, number of movements, and average acceleration between the two arthroscopic systems ( P