RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Technological advancements have been rapidly integrated within the neurosurgical education track since it is a high-risk specialty with little margin for error. Indeed, simulation and virtual reality during training can improve surgical performance and technical skills. Our study aims to investigate the impact of neurosurgical technology-based simulation activities on medical students. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The "Suturing Mission-The Symposium" was a three-day event held at Humanitas University. Participants had access to live-streamed conferences held by worldwide experts in several fields of neurosurgery and practical simulations of dura mater sutures, microvascular anastomosis, and augmented reality neurosurgical approaches. An anonymous survey was conducted at the beginning and end of the event. RESULTS: 141 medical students with a mean age of 21 participated. After the course, 110 participants (77.5%) showed interest in pursuing a surgical path, with a great prevalence in those who had planned to have a surgical career before the event (88.7% vs. 41.4%, p < 0.001). Participants were also asked about their comfort levels while handling surgical instruments, and a good outcome was reached in 72.7% of participants, with a significant difference between those who had previously attended a suture course (87.8% vs. 66.3%, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Training sessions on surgical simulators were effective in increasing participants' interest in pursuing a surgical path, improving their understanding of postgraduate orientation, and boosting their confidence with surgical instruments.
RESUMEN
A topical medical device, AI500®, constituted of a single-chain polypeptide embedded in hyaluronic acid, was tested and evaluated in patients with reduced knee function due to osteoarthritis and other knee conditions. A total of 35 participants with reduced knee function assessed by the WOMAC Physical Function score were recruited. Four study visits were planned, from the first application at V0 to 1 week follow up at V3. Patient symptomatology was evaluated after 24 h (V1) and after 48 h (V2) through phone contact, and after 1 week from V0, on site (V3). The overall duration of the follow up was one week. An amelioration of 40% in WOMAC Physical Functional scores after 1 week of treatment was recorded, thus achieving the primary endpoint of 20%. Furthermore, a reduction of 29% in Physical Functional scores and of 28% in total WOMAC scores between V0-V2 was registered, together with a decrease of 39% between V0 and V3. The NRS scale showed a 29% and 37% reduction in pain between V0-V1 and V0-V2, respectively. Product safety was confirmed by the very low rate of adverse effects, non-device related, observed in only 2 patients out of 35, resolved spontaneously within 24-48 h. No safety concerns or risks associated with the use of the device were highlighted. There are few the studies on the topical use of HA-based gels for the treatment of knee problems. Compared to invasive intra-articular injections and oral pharmacological therapies used in cases of knee pain, the topical application of AI500® is non-invasive, safe, and appreciated by patients. Good results in terms of functional improvement and symptoms resolution were obtained in less than 1 week.