Knee Arthroscopic Training Using a Porcine Model Versus Human Cadaver: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
D.A.N.E. Santos, L.C.B. Carvalho, R.E. De Paula, J.A.M. Guimarães, C.T. Laett, J.L.R. De FariaObjectives:
To compare performance gains after a 3-week knee arthroscopy training protocol performed on porcine versus human cadaveric knees. We hypothesized similar improvements between models.
Methods:
Prospective longitudinal study. Orthopaedic residents (PGY1–3) and knee surgeons performed a standardized diagnostic knee arthroscopy task (10 sequential checkpoints) on both models weekly, in randomized order. Outcomes were task completion time and Arthroscopic Surgical Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) total score. Participants rated perceived similarity (25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%).
Results:
Thirty-four participants were enrolled; one PGY1 resident was excluded for missing the final session, leaving 33 participants analyzed (5 surgeons, 28 residents). Time and ASSET improved over three weeks, with no difference between models for time reduction (p=0.438) or ASSET change (p=0.093). Median time reductions (week 1 to week 3) were 69 s (PGY1), 97 s (PGY2), 45 s (PGY3), and 11 s (surgeons). Median ASSET increases were +18 (PGY1), +13 (PGY2), and +2 (PGY3), and all PGY2+ reached the maximum ASSET score by week 3. The proportion rating 100% similarity increased from 24% to 30%, and >90% rated ≥75% similarity at the final assessment.
Conclusion:
Porcine knee training produced gains comparable to human cadaveric training, supporting its use as an accessible and reproducible alternative for early knee arthroscopy education.