Human factors issues in the design of an arthroscopic simulator

This paper introduces research into the development of an arthroscopic simulator-called Virtual Environment Knee Arthroscopy Training System (VE-KATS)-which is intended to support surgeons in developing their skills for knee arthroscopy procedures. VE-KATS has been developed through collaboration between surgical and technical experts from the health and academic sectors. The work is based in the Virtual Environments Group within the Department of Computer Science at the University of Hull and involves surgeons from the Orthopaedic Department of the Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital. The work also involves collaboration with the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, Brunel University. The paper discusses the development of arthroscopic procedures and provides a technological overview of VE-KATS. The paper focuses on some of the key human factors issues that have shaped the design of VE-KATS