AANA Lab Course 902 - Foundations in Arthroscopy (Resident/Fellow)-AANA-ABOS-AAOS Fundamentals of Arthroscopy Surgery Training (FAST) Program

AANA-ABOS-AAOS Fundamentals of Arthroscopy Surgery Training (FAST) Program

Pdf Summary

The Fundamentals of Arthroscopy Surgery Training (FAST) Program, developed by Gregg T. Nicandri MD, Mark R. Hutchinson MD, and Robert A. Pedowitz MD, PhD, provides structured exercises to develop core arthroscopic skills using specialized modules and equipment.

The training involves five tasks:

1. <strong>Image and Triangulation Skills Practice</strong>: Trainees use an arthroscope camera and probe in clear and opaque FAST domes, practicing horizon control, image centering with telescoping and periscoping, deliberate linear probe triangulation, and probe targeting of randomized sequences. Challenges include rotating the camera to align lines within 25 seconds, centering nine dots in 74 seconds, and probing 10 randomized targets with timed completion goals.

2. <strong>Random Number Probing</strong>: Using a number probe card in clear and opaque domes, participants use the probe and punch tool to sequentially target numbered points within 146 seconds, practicing hand manipulation with the camera and probe in different portals.

3. <strong>Horizontal Ring Transfer</strong>: Trainees transfer rings between posts inside the dome using a King Fisher grasper, coordinating bimanual skills and camera positioning. The challenge is to transfer all rings without stopping for dropped rings, completing the task flawlessly under time constraints.

4. <strong>Basics of Biting</strong>: Using meniscus cut-outs simulating tissue, participants practice precise cutting with a meniscal biter to fully remove an inner black line without damaging peripheral lines, developing accuracy in tissue resection. Camera and instrument portal positioning are varied to build ambidexterity.

5. <strong>Maze</strong>: Trainees manipulate a metal ball bearing through a maze using a probe combined with arthroscope visualization, refining fine motor control and coordination, with a timed completion goal of 139 seconds.

All modules require specialized setups including elevated base plates and use interchangeable portals for camera and instrument placement to simulate real arthroscopic conditions. The FAST program emphasizes ambidexterity, hand-eye coordination, deliberate motion, and precision to build the foundational skills critical in arthroscopic surgery.

Additional instructional PDFs and videos are accessible at www.aana.org.

Keywords

Arthroscopy Surgery Training

FAST Program

Arthroscopic Skills

Image and Triangulation Practice

Random Number Probing

Horizontal Ring Transfer

Basics of Biting

Maze Task

Hand-Eye Coordination

Ambidexterity