Education and training in hand surgery: Upper limb cadaveric dissection course improves the learning curve

Anatomy is vital for integrating basic science with clinical practice, particularly for surgeons specializing in hand, orthopedic, and plastic surgery. Traditional teaching methods often lack the hands-on experience needed for a thorough understanding. To address this issue, the Italian Society of Hand Surgery (SICM) designed a course focused on cadaveric dissection aimed at enhancing anatomical knowledge and surgical skills. This study assessed the perceptions and knowledge gains of medical residents and specialists in a 4-day intensive course, which included 21 h of dissections, 9 h of video demonstrations, and 4 h of lectures. Participants were evaluated through pre- and post-course exams and a survey using a five-point Likert scale. Out of 280 participants, post-course scores improved significantly (mean increase of 11.14 points, p < 0.00001), with 85 % finding the practical dissection approach most effective. The course was particularly beneficial for those with lower initial scores, indicating the need for tailored instruction for varying specialties.