Feasibility of a Novel Fluoroscopic Trainer for the Orthopaedic Trainee.
JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2024;
81:145-150. [PMID:
37880034 DOI:
10.1016/j.jsurg.2023.09.002]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
We sought to create a novel method of teaching orthopedic trainees to efficiently obtain intraoperative radiographs using nonfluoroscopic digital cameras. Specifically, teaching them to make minor, uniplanar, adjustments while limiting the number of fluoroscopy images obtained during placement of a guidewire "start-point," for intramedullary nailing.
DESIGN
Prospective cohort study including medical students from 2 academic centers. Two nonfluoroscopic digital cameras simulating orthogonal fluoroscopic images were utilized. A sponge was used to simulate soft tissue resistance while navigating a guidewire to the desired starting point. Three cannulated parallel cylinders in a triangular configuration are used to simulate our "start point." Students completed 4 phases; trial and error, teaching, testing and retention.
SETTING
The protocol was completed at a single academic teaching hospital at the primary authors institution.
PARTICIPANTS
We utilized medical students from 2 GME accredited medical schools to complete the protocol. Students were selected from orthopedic surgery interest groups at their respective institutions and participation was voluntary.
RESULTS
Twenty-one medical students completed the protocol. The number of seconds to achieve each target along with the number of pictures to achieve each target were recorded and averaged. The paired t-test was used to compare the difference between phases. There is a statistically significant difference in the mean number of seconds to achieve each target between phase 1 (baseline) and phase 3 (testing) (p < 0.0001). This statistically significant difference was retained in phase 4 (retention) (p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
We were able to demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in the number of images and time to obtain the correct "start point." This could theoretically decrease operative time and morbidity while teaching students in a low-stress training environment without exposure to radiation.
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