Can a simple test of visual-motor skill predict the performance of microsurgeons?

A new test of manual dexterity and a test of spatial ability were administered to 37 participants of a microsurgery training course. Performance on microsurgical tasks undertaken by the trainees to assess their surgical skill correlated significantly (rho = -0.54, P < or = 0.01) with manual dexterity and (rho = 0.36, P < or = 0.05) spatial ability. The first of these findings is contrary to those of studies concerned with general surgery whereas the second confirms the results of reported research. Explanation for the results is given in terms of the specific nature of microsurgical skill compared with general surgery.