Using formalin embalmed cadavers to teach fracture identification with ultrasound

Ultrasound is being utilized more frequently to diagnose fractures in bone and track fracture reduction quickly, and without radiation exposure in the ED. Realistic and practical methods of teaching sonographic fracture identification to medical trainees are needed. The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of using formalin-embalmed human cadavers in teaching medical trainees to use ultrasound to identify synthetic fractures in tibia, radius, and metacarpal bones.

First-year medical students attended an orientation presentation and a 15-min scanning workshop, to evaluate fractures in cadaver bones with an instructor. Next participants independently scanned bones to determine if a fracture was present. Questionnaires were given that assessed participant self-confidence and ability to evaluate still ultrasound images for fracture and differentiate between tissue layers before, after, and 5 months following training.

Participants were collectively able to scan and differentiate between fractured and unfractured bone in 75% of 186 total bone scanning attempts (tibia: 81% correct, metacarpal: 68% correct, radius: 76% correct). When evaluating still ultrasound images for fracture, participants' scores rose significantly following training from an average score of 77.4 to 91.1% (p = 0.001). Five months post-training, scores fell slightly, to an average of 89.8% (p = 0.325).

Ultrasound images of formalin-embalmed cadaveric fractures are of sufficient quality to use in teaching fracture identification to medical trainees. With only 15 minutes of scanning experience, medical trainees can learn to independently scan and significantly increase their ability to identify fractures in still ultrasound images.