Cadaveric Simulation in Rib Plating is Beneficial for Helping Surgical Trainees to Assimilate New Technologies

Rib fixation procedures are being performed more frequently as they have shown multiple advantages over traditional non-operative management in well-selected patients. We have developed a rib-fixation simulation on cadavers for use by surgical residents in attempt to improve their comfort, knowledge and ability to use this new technology.

Residents in years 3 through 5 of training attended a rib-fixation simulation course with cadavers. Trauma faculty and representatives of manufacturers of rib-fixation hardware participated. The simulation consisted of groups of residents reviewing anatomy and creating adequate exposure for the entire procedure. Each group created rib fractures in the cadaver, determined which materials were needed, and then performed the rib-fixation procedure. Following the simulation, we surveyed the residents to determine the impact of the structured cadaveric rib fixation-based course on their comfort level. The survey was performed using a four- and five-level Likert questionnaire. The results were analyzed using paired t-tests.

Of the participating residents, 72% of residents had performed five or fewer rib-fixation procedures in their training in the first cohort, while in the cohort for the following year, 65% had performed 5-10 procedures. The simulation had a statistically significant benefit to the residents' comfort level with rib plating (2.5 versus 3.6, p-value: 0.003). The greatest impact on the comfort level was seen in year 3 of training (2 versus 4, p-value 0.02). One hundred percent of residents found that having faculty and representatives present for the simulation was very helpful. The survey demonstrated that most residents gained new knowledge regarding the anatomy and technical dissection. In 20 of 25 encounters, residents strongly agreed that this simulation was beneficial for their surgical education, when used in addition to real operative experience. Every resident reported that they would recommend the simulation to younger resident classes.

Rib-fixation simulations on cadavers were beneficial for surgical residents' self-assessed comfort level. The simulation increased residents' knowledge, comfort, and ability to perform rib-fixation procedures. We have seen a significant increase in resident participation in these cases after simulation training. Based on these findings, we will continue to incorporate these simulations into our program's curriculum.