TissueDB/Simulators/Pediatric Forearm Fracture Simulator
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The Pediatric Forearm Fracture Simulator is a pediatric point-of-care ultrasound training phantom built from gelatine and 3D-printed pediatric-female forearm bone models.[1] It is used to train recognition of pediatric distal forearm fractures where X-ray imaging or specialist coverage may be limited. The gelatine represents the source-labelled soft tissue over the bone, and the embedded PLA models represent the radius and ulna. The simulator supports unblinded training with transparent gelatine and white PLA bone models and blinded training with opaque gelatine and black PLA bone models.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Features and Basic Operation | Two training modes are provided: unblinded training uses transparent gelatine with white PLA models, and blinded training uses opaque gelatine with black PLA models. Six numbered bone models per set represent no-fracture, buckle (torus) and greenstick/cortical-break variants. The embedded bone models provide ultrasound-visible cortical surfaces within the gelatine phantom. |
| Current Development Status | Open-source SELF training module, iteratively prototyped and clinically informed. No formal skills-transfer or clinical-outcome validation of this simulator is documented in the available source material. |
| Estimated Build Time and Cost | - - |
| Specialized Tools and Equipment | A 3D printer or 3D-printing service is required to fabricate the reusable bone models and mould from the supplied files. Per-pour simulator fabrication requires water-heating equipment (kettle, stovetop and pot, or microwave), refrigerator, large measuring cup of approximately 800 mL capacity, weighing scale, spoon, alarm timer, knife, needle-nose pliers, large plate or tray, toothbrush, mild detergent and sink. |
| Version | Version 1 |
| Development Team Contact Information | Pediatric Distal Forearm Fractures SELF module team; clinical input from Dr. Peter J. Snelling, Gold Coast University Hospital. Funded by a grant from the Intuitive Foundation. |
Tissues
| Tissue | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft Tissue | Approximately 800 mL per simulator | Gelatin | - | The source labels this layer "Soft Tissue." Gelatine forms the ultrasound phantom around the bone model. For unblinded training it remains transparent. For blinded training it is made opaque with food colouring. This source relationship does not establish a separate Subcutaneous Tissue relationship. |
| Bone | 1 forearm bone model per simulator; 6 models per training set | PLA | - | 3D-printed pediatric-female radius-and-ulna models. White PLA models are used for unblinded training and black PLA models for blinded training. The numbered models represent no-fracture, buckle (torus) and fracture variants. Align the R and U markers on the bone-model base with the corresponding mould markings. |
Structural Parts
| Part Name | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D-printed Pediatric Forearm Simulator Mould | 1 reusable mould | 3D-printed PLA | - | Reusable open-face negative mould that shapes the gelatine around the bone model. This is a fabrication tool, not an anatomical surrogate. Clean with cold water, mild detergent and a toothbrush. Do not use a dishwasher because heat can deform the thermoplastic. |
| Cellophane wrap | As needed per pour | Cellophane | - | Lines the inside of the mould and acts as a release liner so the set simulator can be removed. It is removed from the finished phantom and does not simulate tissue. |
Consumables
| Consumable | Quantity | Material | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unflavoured gelatine | 80 g | Gelatin | - | Mixed with a total of 800 mL water for one simulator pour. |
| Water | 800 mL | Water | - | 400 mL is used at room temperature with the gelatine and a further 400 mL is heated before combining. Water is a build fluid and is not a TissueDB Materials-page relationship. |
| Food colouring — blinded version only | 40 drops blue + 20 drops red + 20 drops yellow; alternatively 80 drops black | Food colouring | - | Opacifies the gelatine for blinded ultrasound training. It is an appearance/visibility modifier, not a tissue surrogate. |
Build Instructions
Phase 1: Prepare simulators for unblinded training
Step 1. Place the mould on a large plate or tray to catch any liquid spillage.
Step 2. Line the inside of the mould with clear cellophane wrap.
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Step 3. Place one white PLA 3D-printed pediatric female forearm bone model into the mould.
Note: align the arrows on the base of the bone model with the arrows on the ends of the mould. Align the "R" (radius) marker on the bone-model base with the "R" on the mould and the "U" (ulna) marker with the "U" on the mould.
Step 4. Heat 400 mL of water in a kettle, on a stove, or in a microwave.
Step 5. Put 400 mL of room-temperature water in a large measuring cup and add 80 g of unflavoured gelatine.
Step 6. Mix until solid masses are removed.
Step 7. Add the heated 400 mL of water to the gelatine mixture.
Step 8. Mix until the gelatine is dissolved.
Step 9. Pour the gelatine mixture into the mould.
Step 10. Place the mould carefully in the refrigerator without spilling the mixture.
Step 11. After 30 minutes, pour the remaining gelatine mixture into the mould to fill it.
Step 12. Refrigerate the mould for 4 hours to allow the gelatine to set completely.
Timing note: 4 hours is the source-specified refrigeration/set period. It is not presented as the total simulator fabrication time.
Step 13. Slide a knife gently between the mould and cellophane to assist release.
Step 14. With an assistant stabilising the mould on a flat surface, grip the base of the bone model with needle-nose pliers and carefully extract the simulator.
Step 15. Remove the cellophane wrap from the finished simulator.
Step 16. After training, gently wipe off the ultrasound gel and store the simulator in a refrigerator.
Step 17. Clean the reusable mould and bone model with cold water, mild detergent and a toothbrush.
Phase 2: Prepare simulators for blinded training
Step 1. Place the mould on a large plate or tray to catch any liquid spillage.
Step 2. Line the inside of the mould with clear cellophane wrap.
_5-10.jpg)
Step 3. Place one black PLA 3D-printed pediatric female forearm bone model into the mould.
Note: align the arrows on the base of the bone model with the arrows on the ends of the mould. Align the "R" (radius) marker on the bone-model base with the "R" on the mould and the "U" (ulna) marker with the "U" on the mould.
Step 4. Heat 400 mL of water in a kettle, on a stove, or in a microwave.
Step 5. Put 400 mL of room-temperature water in a large measuring cup and add 80 g of unflavoured gelatine.
Step 6. Mix until solid masses are removed.
Step 7. Add the heated 400 mL of water to the gelatine mixture.
Step 8. Mix until the gelatine is dissolved.
Step 9. Add 40 drops of blue food colouring, 20 drops of red food colouring and 20 drops of yellow food colouring. Alternatively, use 80 drops of black food colouring. Mix well.
Step 10. Pour the gelatine mixture into the mould.
Step 11. Place the mould carefully in the refrigerator without spilling the mixture.
Step 12. After 30 minutes, pour the remaining gelatine mixture into the mould to fill it.
Step 13. Refrigerate the mould for 4 hours to allow the gelatine to set completely.
Timing note: 4 hours is the source-specified refrigeration/set period. It is not presented as the total simulator fabrication time.
Step 14. Slide a knife gently between the mould and cellophane to assist release.
Step 15. With an assistant stabilising the mould on a flat surface, grip the base of the bone model with needle-nose pliers and carefully extract the simulator.
Step 16. Remove the cellophane wrap from the finished simulator.
Step 17. After training, gently wipe off the ultrasound gel and store the simulator in a refrigerator.
Step 18. Clean the reusable mould and bone model with cold water, mild detergent and a toothbrush.
Note: do not use a dishwasher to clean the mould or bone model because heated water can deform the thermoplastic.
Reusable 3D-printed components
The 3D-printed mould and pediatric forearm bone models are separate reusable fabrication components. Their printing files, print settings and fabrication metrics belong to their respective SELF module subpages and must not be combined with the gelatine-pour preparation time to create a total simulator build time.
See:
- Pediatric Distal Forearm Fractures/3D Printed Pediatric Female Forearm Bone Models
- Pediatric Distal Forearm Fractures/Pediatric Forearm Simulators
References
- ↑ Pediatric Distal Forearm Fractures/Pediatric Forearm Simulators, Medical Makers / SELF training module, Appropedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
| Alternative names | Pediatric Forearm Simulator |
|---|
| Authors | Arturopelayo |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Cite as | Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Simulators/Pediatric Forearm Fracture Simulator". Appropedia. Retrieved September 12, 2026. |