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Three-Dimensionally-Printed Hand Surgical Simulator for Resident Training.
Daniel A Farrell1, Travis J Miller1, Justin R Chambers1
1From the Division of Plastic Surgery, West Virginia University School of Medicine; the Division of Plastic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine; Clearwater Technology Consultants; and Marshall University.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|November 2, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a low-cost, 3D-printed hand surgery simulator for surgical residents. This anatomical model enhances basic surgical skills and muscle memory through realistic tactile feedback for fracture repair training.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Medical Simulation
Background:
- Reduced work hours and funding necessitate innovative surgical training methods.
- Existing surgical simulators can be costly or lack fidelity, hindering skill development.
- There is a need for cost-effective simulators to enhance residents' basic surgical skills and muscle memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a novel, 3D-printed, anatomically accurate hand surgery simulator.
- To create a cost-effective and versatile tool for surgical residency training.
Main Methods:
- A 3D-printed hand surgery simulator was designed using computed tomographic scans.
- The simulator features a bone matrix for proprioceptive feedback during drilling.
- A silicone soft-tissue covering allows for dissection and fracture reduction practice.
- 3D-printed "fracture bridges" enable on-demand polyfracture model creation.
Main Results:
- The developed simulator is anatomically accurate, malleable, and provides realistic tactile feedback.
- The design allows for practice of drilling for fracture repair and arthrodesis.
- The simulator facilitates dissection and fracture reduction maneuvers.
- On-demand polyfracture models can be created for progressive skill development.
Conclusions:
- The 3D-printed hand simulator is a low-cost, multiprocedure tool for surgical training.
- This simulator effectively improves residents' muscle memory and basic surgical skills.
- It offers a viable solution for enhancing surgical education in plastic and orthopedic programs.
