Balogun SA, Sommer F, Waterkeyn F, Ikwuegbuenyi C, Bureta C, Hussain I, Kirnaz S, Navarro-Ramirez R, Sullivan V, Gadjradj P, Härtl R. Feasibility of High-Fidelity Simulator Models for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in a Resource-Limited Setting: Experience From East Africa.
J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev 2023;
7:01979360-202310000-00010. [PMID:
37856389 PMCID:
PMC10586827 DOI:
10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-23-00038]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Spine surgery is a rapidly evolving specialty with a continuous need to learn new skills. In resource-limited settings such as Africa, the need for training is greater. The use of simulation-based training is important in different stages of skill acquisition, especially for high-stake procedures such as spine surgery. Among the available methods of simulation, the use of synthetic models has gained popularity among trainers.
METHOD
Twenty participants of a neurosurgery training course, most of whom (65%) were neurosurgery residents and fellows, were recruited. They had hands-on training sessions using a high-fidelity lumbar degenerative spine simulation model and hands-on theater experience. After this, they completed a survey to compare their experience and assess the effectiveness of the lumbar spine model in stimulating real patient and surgery experiences.
RESULTS
The participants were from four African countries, and the majority were neurosurgery residents. There were varying levels of experience among the participants in minimally invasive spine surgery, with the majority either having no experience or having only observed the procedure. All the participants said that the high-fidelity lumbar spine model effectively simulated real minimally invasive spine setup and real bone haptics and was effective in learning new techniques. Most of the participants agreed that the model effectively simulated real dura and nerve roots (95%), real muscle (90%), real bleeding from bones and muscles (95%), and real cerbrospinal fluid in the subarachnoid space. Among them, 95% agreed that the model is effective in lumbar minimally invasive spine training in resource-limited settings.
CONCLUSION
With the development of new and better surgical techniques, the use of high-fidelity models provides a good opportunity for learning and training, especially in resource-poor settings where there is a paucity of training facilities and personnel.
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