Development of a Congenital Hand Anomalies Model for Index Pollicization Training

Index pollicization is a technically demanding procedure used to treat congenital thumb hypoplasia. Because the condition is rare, surgical trainees have very few clinical opportunities to practice and master these complex surgical steps. To address this training gap, this study aimed to develop a pediatric hand model for practicing index pollicization and to evaluate its effectiveness in improving participants' knowledge and self-confidence regarding the procedure.

A quasi-experimental, one-group, pretest-posttest study was conducted among 19 orthopedic residents (postgraduate years 1-4). Participants attended a two-hour hands-on workshop using a high-fidelity hand model that simulated skin, subcutaneous tissue, bone, and vascular structures. Knowledge and self-confidence were assessed before and after training using questionnaires based on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10. Pre- and post-training scores were compared using paired t-tests.

Mean knowledge scores (maximum score 10) significantly increased from 4.64 ± 1.68 before training to 7.90 ± 1.78 after training. Mean self-confidence scores improved from 4.89 ± 1.77 to 8.16 ± 1.81. Post-training feedback indicated scores of 8.53 ± 1.31 for the realism of skin and subcutaneous tissue, 8.68 ± 0.95 for the realism of bone and vascular structures, and 9.09 ± 1.02 for the usefulness of the training.

A surgical training model for index pollicization significantly improved participants' knowledge and self-confidence. The model was considered realistic and useful, demonstrating its potential as an additional training tool for this complex and low-incidence surgical procedure.

Level IV.