Arthroscopic Training: Historical Insights and Future Directions.

J Am Acad Orthop Surg · Dec 01 2023 · Review

Testa EJ, Fadale PD

From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School, RI

Sports Medicine Shoulder & Elbow Hand & Upper Extremity

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis review traces the history of arthroscopic training, describes current teaching methods, and notes the lack of a universal residency or fellowship curriculum, outlining future educational directions.
Abstract, as published

Arthroscopy is an orthopaedic technique that provides surgical solutions in a minimally invasive fashion. Since its introduction, arthroscopy has become a preferred surgical approach for treating various orthopaedic pathologies, such as meniscal tears, anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, rotator cuff tears, and wrist, elbow, ankle, and hip conditions. Despite its ubiquity, surgical training in arthroscopy poses several challenges for educators and trainees. Arthroscopy involves neuromotor skills which differ from those of open surgery, such as the principles of triangulation, bimanual dexterity, and the ability to navigate a three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional screen. There remains no universally implemented curriculum for arthroscopic education within orthopaedic residency or fellowship training programs, permitting the potential for highly variable training experiences from institution to institution. Therefore, the current review seeks to highlight the history of arthroscopic education, strategies and current teaching modalities in modern arthroscopic education, and avenues for future educational pathways.

Featured in the 2026-10-01 issue.

← Core Muscle Injury Producing Groin Pain in the Athlete: Diagn…The Influence of Psychosocial Factors on Patients Undergoing … →

The Reduction is a free email digest of newly published orthopaedic literature — a handful of new papers in the subspecialties you choose, each summarized like this one. Subscribe free or browse the archive.