Fracture Reduction Simulator
- Detailed Technology Description
- Prof.Thomas and his lab have developed a novel simulation platform to train andevaluate orthopedic resident surgical skills, including fracture reduction. The proposed simulation is a more precisemethod of evaluating orthopedic residency students. This technology includes a physical fracturemodel, which is comprised of a synthetic bone fracture model buried within asynthetic soft tissue model. Thesesynthetic soft tissues contain electromagnetic tracking systems that displayvirtual X-ray images to a laptop screen for analysis. For this training model, the student mustre-assemble bone fragments into the correct alignment using specializedsurgical tools to manipulate the fragments. Virtual X-rays monitor the fragment locationsthroughout the process to ensure the orthopedic student has the bone modelaligned correctly.
- *Abstract
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BackgroundInformation
Every year, nearly 3,300 aspiring orthopedicsurgeons attend residency programs in the United States alone. The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery hasmandated specific skills training for these first year orthopedic surgicalresidents. Most residency programs fulfillthis requirement via training exercises on cadavers and plastic bones models. Recently, programs have begun incorporating oneor more simulators or virtual reality exercises in their skills training. Simulators are helpful because they canprovide repeatable educational experiences and they enable quantitativeperformance assessments. However, fewsimulators on the market are designed for orthopedic trauma skills training,and fewer still have been developed and validated with advanced students intheir third or fourth year of advanced training.
Technology Summary
Prof.Thomas and his lab have developed a novel simulation platform to train andevaluate orthopedic resident surgical skills, including fracture reduction. The proposed simulation is a more precisemethod of evaluating orthopedic residency students. This technology includes a physical fracturemodel, which is comprised of a synthetic bone fracture model buried within asynthetic soft tissue model. Thesesynthetic soft tissues contain electromagnetic tracking systems that displayvirtual X-ray images to a laptop screen for analysis. For this training model, the student mustre-assemble bone fragments into the correct alignment using specializedsurgical tools to manipulate the fragments. Virtual X-rays monitor the fragment locationsthroughout the process to ensure the orthopedic student has the bone modelaligned correctly.
Advantages
· Providesa high precision and life-like surgical training tool for orthopedic residents
· Minimizesline-of-sight hindrances because the electromagnetic field can penetrate solidmaterials, including medical tools
· Adaptseasily to other fracture models
- *Licensing
- Mihaela Bojin, PhD, CLPSenior Licensing AssociateUniversity of Iowa Research Foundation2660 UCCIowa City, Iowa 52242Phone: (319) 335-2723Email: mihaela-bojin@uiowa.edu
- Country/Region
- USA
