(FAST) Program
Fundamentals of Arthroscopic Surgery Training (FAST) Program for Residency Programs
The FAST Program provides Residency Programs with a structured, proven approach to teaching core arthroscopy skills. Designed specifically for Orthopaedic Residency Programs, FAST combines interactive online modules with hands-on workstation training to build foundational psychomotor skills essential for arthroscopic surgery.
Developed by Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Gregg Nicandri, the FAST Program supports both self-directed Resident learning and faculty-led group instruction, allowing programs to integrate arthroscopy training across multiple PGY levels.
Program Features
- Residents can time their pace through each module.
- Built-in note-taking tools allow learners to save and download notes for review.
- Modules support both self-paced learning and Program Director-led group instruction.
FAST Module Program Includes
- Introduction to arthroscope setup, grasping and biting instruments.
- Fundamentals of horizon control, sweeping, telescoping, periscoping and probing.
- Skill development in probing left and right, ring transfer, meniscal resection, maze navigation and suture passing.
- Surgical knot tying deep dive, including technique fundamentals, left-handed surgeon instruction and use of the FAST Knot Tester.
Program Access and Renewal
Residency programs receive access through June 30, 2026, with annual renewal available each academic year to maintain access and incorporate new PGY-1 Residents.
FAST Workstation and Hands-On Training
The FAST Program is paired with the three-dimensional FAST workstation, a hands-on training tool that has supported arthroscopy education for residents since 2011. The workstation is designed to develop essential psychomotor skills through repeated, structured practice.
- Test and develop skills for cutting, grasping, moving and tying.
- Progress from a clear shell to an opaque shell to increase difficulty.
- Practice skills essential for orthopaedic surgery and FAST Program requirements.
- Reusable with no special setup or cleanup required.
Supplemental Resources and Background
Explore additional FAST-related resources and advanced training opportunities:
- Visit Basic Arthroscopy Skills to review foundational arthroscopy concepts.
- Visit sawbones.com to purchase FAST workstations and modules.
- Visit FAST Advanced Training for more challenging exercises that build on the FAST curriculum.
Program Development and Partnerships
The FAST Program and tools were developed in collaboration with:
- Sawbones (Pacific Research Labs)
- AANA (Arthroscopy Association of North America)
- AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
- ABOS (American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery)