Osso VR expands VR training Into pediatric orthopedic simulations, partners with the POSNA

PALO ALTO, Calif. and ORLANDO, Fla. – November 28, 2018 – Osso VR, a leading virtual reality surgical training technology company, announces today its first module for pediatric orthopedic procedures, launched in partnership with the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA).

Osso VR augments the apprenticeship training model the surgical education system has relied on for over a century by providing on-demand, virtual educational experiences that are effective, repeatable, and measurable. Osso VR also allows for surgical mastery to finally be quantified, as the current assessment of surgical performance worldwide is still primarily through subjective mentor observation. Analytics and data provided on the user’s performance provides an objective picture of how proficient and competent the surgeon is and even how they compare to peers.

The training created in partnership with POSNA focuses on a common, yet spatially complex hip procedure for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), most often occurring in pre-teens and teens. Screw placement in these procedures can be challenging for residents and fellows to master. Osso VR’s immersive educational platform allows the learner to practice setting up the C-arm to obtain fluoroscopic images of a SCFE, then place a guidewire, measure it, and insert an in-situ screw. The learner is given immediate feedback on the quality of fluoroscopy quality and screw placement. This is all practiced in a virtual environment that mimics the atmosphere of performing the procedure in the real operating room and can be used repeatedly.

“Pediatric orthopedic procedures present unique challenges for surgeons, especially when they have not subspecialized in the field. The pressure associated with the procedure combined with the variable experience of practitioners can lead to suboptimal outcomes. Procedures like SCFE in situ pinning are not able to be practiced effectively with current tools like sawbones. VR allows providers to not only learn, but refresh, the skills and steps necessary to effectively treat this critical condition,” said Justin Barad, MD, pediatric orthopedic surgeon and CEO of Osso VR. “POSNA continues to be on the cutting-edge of educating pediatric orthopedic surgeons about innovation in the specialty. POSNA was an integral partner in our first venture into pediatric orthopedics, driving the vision for our how best to introduce these surgeons to the future of training.”