A Standardized Hand Fracture Fixation Training Framework using Novel 3D Printed Ex Vivo Hand Models: Our Experience as a Unit

Abstract

Background: Surgery for hand trauma accounts for a significant proportion of the plastic surgery training curriculum. The aim of this study was to create a standardized simulation training module for hand fracture fixation with Kirschner wire (K-wire) techniques for residents to create a standardized hand training framework that universally hones their skill and prepares them for their first encounter in a clinical setting. Methods: A step-ladder approach training with 6 levels of difficulty on 3-dimensional (3D) printed ex vivo hand biomimetics was employed on a cohort of 20 plastic surgery residents (n = 20). Assessment of skills using a score system (global rating scale) was performed in the beginning and at the end of the module by hand experts of our unit. Results: The overall average scores of the cohort before and after assessment were 23.75/40 (59.4%) and 34.7/40 (86.8%), respectively. Significant ( P < 0.01) difference of improvement of skills was noted on all trainees. All trainees confirmed that the simulated models provided in this module were akin to the patient scenario and noted that it helped them improve their skills with regard to K-wire fixation techniques, including improvement of their understanding of the 3D bone topography. Conclusions: We demonstrate a standardized simulation training framework that employs 3D printed ex vivo hand biomimetics proved to improve the skills of residents and that paves the way to more universal, standardized and validated training across hand surgery. This is, to our knowledge, the first standardized method of simulated training on such hand surgical cases.

The Application of Three-Dimensional Technologies in the Improvement of Orthopedic Surgery Training and Medical Education Quality: A Comparative Bibliometrics Analysis

“…We’ve already seen a number of tremendous changes and improvements in orthopedic medical education brought about by different 3D technologies. Instead of displaying the different visual bibliometrics results from multiple perspectives which have already been shown in the result section, we also read and evaluate all the retrieved articles in detail extensively, 11 representative publications from three major branches of orthopedics were chosen ( Van Sint Jan et al, 2003 ; Podolsky et al, 2010 ; Gottschalk et al, 2015 ; Park et al, 2018 ; Mishra et al, 2019 ; Wang et al, 2019 ; Montgomery et al, 2020 ; Clifton et al, 2021 ; Foo et al, 2021 ; Kim et al, 2021 ; Papavasiliou et al, 2021 ), comprehensive evaluative analysis was made from basic information, purpose, assessments, results, benefits and limitations ( Table 1 , trauma surgery n = 4; Table 2 , joint surgery n = 3; Table 3 , spine surgery n = 4).…”

3D Printed Chest Wall: A Tool for Advanced Microsurgical Training Simulating Depth and Limited View

“… 4 Three-dimensional printed models are particularly of great interest to early learning curve trainees given that it enables the practice of technically challenging procedures in inconsequential environments. 10 As a result, models have become increasingly important components of microsurgical training. As the standardization of microsurgical training models shifts towards the chicken thigh model, there is a need to ensure high-quality simulation that hinges on the accessibility, reliability, and availability of models.…”

Implementing mindfulness meditation in hand surgery training: a feasibility study

“…Both groups watched an initial lecture component, group 1 (control) in person and group 2 (intervention) from home. Group 1 performed the practical part of the course on 3D printed hands (Stelth Ltd) [11] and then performed an assessed component of K wiring a 5 th metacarpal neck fracture. Group 2 then attended for the practical as above, but with a 10-min meditation (Headspace®, California, with permission) immediately before the assessment.…”