Development and Validation of a Low-Cost Drilling Model

Area of Science:

• Surgical Simulation
• Medical Education Technology
• Orthopaedic Training

Background:

• Simulation models offer repeated practice for surgical skills mastery and confidence-building.
• Developing and evaluating a low-cost drilling model for surgical training is crucial for accessibility.
• The model aims to improve plunge depth control, bone-medullary canal differentiation, and angled drilling accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess the feasibility of an inexpensive surgical drilling simulator.
• To train surgeons, particularly residents, in essential drilling techniques.
• To provide a tool for independent, self-assessed surgical practice.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving expert and novice orthopedic/hand surgeons.
• Development of a low-cost (<$5) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and silicone drilling simulator.
• Utilized a Bosch drill with a K-wire, measuring time, plunge depth, far cortex penetration, and accuracy.

Main Results:

• Experts demonstrated significantly better control over plunge depth (p=0.0003) and accuracy (p=0.04).
• While experts were 20% faster, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.43).
• The simulator successfully differentiated between bone and medullary canal for participants.

Conclusions:

• The developed low-cost drilling model is a feasible and valuable tool for resident surgical training.
• It enables residents to practice drilling tasks independently and at their own pace.
• The simulator aids in developing critical psychomotor skills and confidence in surgical procedures.