Implementation of a Simulation-Based Cast Saw Technique Educational Module to Improve Cast Removal Safety

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Medical Education
• Simulation-Based Training

Background:

• Nonoperative skills, including safe cast removal, are insufficiently taught in orthopaedic residency.
• Improper cast saw technique poses risks like burns, abrasions, and medicolegal issues.
• Traditional training methods are resource-intensive, limiting widespread adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured cast saw training module using a validated wax simulation model.
• To assess the impact of this training on novice learners' cast removal skills.
• To provide a cost-effective and reproducible method for cast saw safety training.

Main Methods:

• 42 medical students without prior cast saw experience participated.
• Each student performed cast removal on a wax model before and after a standardized educational module.
• Cast saw errors (number, length, depth, width) were quantified and compared pre- and post-training.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in cast saw errors were observed post-training.
• Average errors per block decreased from 9.02 to 3.78.
• Total error length, maximum depth, and maximum width also significantly decreased.

Conclusions:

• A brief, structured cast saw training session using wax simulation markedly reduced errors in novice learners.
• This simulation-based approach offers a standardized, low-cost alternative to traditional training.
• The module improves cast removal safety and is a scalable training tool for residency programs.