Clubfoot Cast Simulation Using Pressure Sensors: A Novel Way to Teach the Ponseti Method

The standard of care in treating congenital clubfoot is the Ponseti method. Resident education of this skill traditionally involves direct casting of patients with attending feedback. With increased clinical time demands, mastery of the skill may not be achievable using direct resident - patient interactions. We describe a novel Ponseti cast simulator using pressure sensors to teach this skill.

A novel Ponseti cast simulator was constructed using a standardized model and pressure sensors. A pre-training baseline (trial 1) and post education (trial 2) was made and scored using an objective structured assessment of technical skill (OSATS) checklist. Pressure sensors were placed at the first metatarsal and talar head to record cast forces.

The study was performed in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at an academic tertiary care hospital.

Study participants included 6 junior orthopedic residents defined as post-graduate year (PGY) 1 to 3, 6 senior orthopedic residents (PGY 4,5), and a board -certified pediatric orthopedic surgeon to serve as a control.

Trial 1 OSATS scores were significantly higher in senior residents (9.7 ± 1.5) than junior residents (5.2 ± 1.2) (p = 0.004). Trial 2 OSATS scores were also significantly higher in senior residents than junior residents: 13.7 ± 1.4 vs. 5.8 ± 1.6 (p = 0.003). Additionally, senior residents significantly improved scores between the first 2 trials 9.7 ± 1.5 vs. 13.7 ± 1.4 (p = 0.003), while junior residents did not 5.2 ± 1.2 vs. 5.8 ± 1.6 (p = 0.4566). In addition, there were no significant differences between junior, and senior resident Trial 1 talar head pressures or first metatarsal pressures, or Trial 2 first metatarsal pressures.

This is the first casting simulation model to use pressure sensors as a way to objectively measure cast application pressure. This simulator may be useful in an orthopedic training programs to teach Ponseti casting.