Tibial Shaft Transverse Fracture Simulator

The 3D printed bone models of the Tibial Shaft Transverse Fracture Simulator feature a semi-engraved model number, gender symbol, and two drilling direction arrows on the base of each model to assist with model identification and proper orientation of the simulator.

This data-driven, gender-specific, easy to print, environmentally friendly, hygienic, and cruelty-free simulator can be locally made to provide the highest fidelity orthopedic surgical simulation training at the lowest cost in resource-constrained settings. Clear cellophane is wrapped around the slightly distracted 3D printed proximal and distal fracture fragments to simulate the soft tissue envelope and permit visual inspection for targeted self-assessment by the learner. The vise clamps are positioned so the fracture ends are distracted by 2.0 - 3.0 mm but are otherwise properly aligned to simulate a fracture with restored angulation, and rotation.

Materials and Equipment

1

For the Tibial Shaft Transverse Fracture Simulator, the 3D Printed Adult Tibial Bone Model 1 (left) is the proximal fragment, and the 3D Printed Adult Tibial Bone Model 2 (right) is the distal fragment.

3D Printed Adult Tibial Bone Models 1 and 2

Click on the links below for instructions on how to obtain 3D Printed Adult Tibial Bone Models.

• 3D Printed Adult Male Tibial Bone Models
  • Find 3D Print On Demand Services
  • Contact 3D Print on Demand Services
• 3D Printed Adult Female Tibial Bone Models (under revision)

2

Roll of clear cellophane wrap to simulate the soft tissue envelope overlying the proximal and distal fragments (left), 2 blue vise clamps to secure the Tibial Shaft Transverse Fracture Simulator (middle), and 4 black G-clamps to secure the blue vise clamps to a table (right).

Miscellaneous Supplies

• Clear cellophane
• Vise clamps (minimum 2)

Based on user feedback, we are now recommending learners obtain two 2-in-1 vise clamps instead of two table clamps and four G-clamps to secure the bone models. These 2-in-1 vise clamps are easier to use, cheaper overall ($17 USD/clamp) and can be obtained locally but the delivery times are longer (2 weeks) because they are imported. We will be updating our simulator build video to showcase these 2-in-1 vise clamps soon.

3

Any powered orthopedic surgical drill that is compatible with 5.0 mm diameter self-drilling Schanz screws can be used.

Powered Surgical Drill and Accessories

• 5.0 mm diameter self-drilling Schanz screw
• Chuck key
• Powered surgical drill

The Arbutus Medical HEX Drill Kit uses autoclavable drill covers to permit faster turnaround on reprocessing orthopedic surgical drills in resource-constrained settings.

Assemble and Test Powered Surgical Drill

Any powered orthopedic surgical drill that is compatible with 5.0 mm diameter self-drilling Schanz screws can be used for this skills training module.

1

Arbutus Medical HEX Drill Kit

Collect Supplies

Obtain the following supplies:

• Powered surgical drill and chuck key (i.e., Arbutus Medical HEX Drill Kit)
• 5.0 mm self-drilling Schanz screw (not shown)

2

Arbutus Medical HEX Drill with 5.0 mm diameter Schanz Screw and Chuck Key

Assemble Drill and Insert Schanz Screw

• Follow the surgical drill manufacturer's instructions on how to assemble the surgical drill and insert a 5.0 mm diameter self-drilling Schanz screw using the chuck key.

• If using the Arbutus Medical HEX Drill Kit, follow the video instructions to assemble the Arbutus Medical HEX Drill and insert a 5.0 mm diameter self-drilling Schanz screw.

A sterile person is NOT required to assemble the Arbutus Medical HEX Drill for simulation training.

3

Test Drill to Confirm Drilling Direction

• If using the Arbutus Medical HEX Drill Kit, push on the forward drilling direction switch on the right side of the drill for clockwise rotation. NOTE: Different drills have different locations for the switch that controls forward drilling direction.

• Test the surgical drill by squeezing the on/off trigger to confirm that the drill is ready for use. The Schanz screw tip should be rotating in a clockwise direction when the Schanz screw tip is pointing away from you.

Acknowledgements

This work is funded by a grant from the Intuitive Foundation. Any research, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this work are those of the author(s), and not of the Intuitive Foundation.