TissueDB/Simulators/Pediatric Forearm Fracture Simulator
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The Pediatric Forearm Fracture Simulator is a low-cost, pediatric point-of-care ultrasound training phantom — built from locally available gelatine plus 3D-printed pediatric-female forearm bone models — for diagnosing pediatric distal forearm fractures where X-ray imaging is unavailable. It trains clinicians (traditional bonesetters, pre-hospital providers, nurses, medical officers) to identify buckle (torus) and cortical-break fractures on ultrasound and to make appropriate referrals. The gelatine simulates the soft-tissue layer over the bone; the embedded PLA models simulate the radius and ulna. It supports unblinded training (transparent gelatine with white PLA models) and blinded training (opaque gelatine with black PLA models). Each pour sets in about 4 hours of refrigeration.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Features and Basic Operation | Two training modes — unblinded (transparent gelatine, white PLA models) and blinded (opaque gelatine, black PLA models) — with six numbered bone models per set covering no-fracture, buckle (torus) and greenstick subtypes. The bone models are designed to give the visual, tactile and acoustic properties needed for ultrasound imaging. |
| Current Development Status | Open-source SELF training module, iteratively prototyped and clinically informed; no formal skills-transfer or clinical-outcome validation is documented in the available source material. |
| Estimated Build Time and Cost | $5 (estimated) |
| Specialized Tools and Equipment | 3D printer (or a 3D-printing service) to print the bone models and mould from the STL files — see Pediatric Distal Forearm Fractures/3D Printed Pediatric Female Forearm Bone Models for print specifications; water-heating supplies (kettle, stovetop and pot, or microwave); refrigerator; large measuring cup (~800 mL); weigh scale; spoon; alarm timer; knife; needle-nose pliers; large plate or tray; toothbrush; mild detergent; 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 | ~800 mL per simulator | Gelatin | $2–5 | Gelatine phantom simulating the soft-tissue layer over the bone for ultrasound. Transparent for unblinded training; for blinded training tinted opaque with food colouring (40 blue + 20 red + 20 yellow drops, or 80 black). Quantities and set time are in the build steps. |
| Bone | 6 per set | PLA | $1–5 | 3D-printed pediatric-female forearm bone models (radius and ulna). White PLA for unblinded, black PLA for blinded; models #1–#6 unblinded, #5–#10 blinded, covering no-fracture, buckle (torus) and greenstick subtypes. Printed in segments joined with a printed connector (see the bone-model subpage). Align the R and U markers on the base with the mould arrows. |
Structural Parts
| Part Name | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Printed Pediatric Forearm Simulator Mould | 1 (reusable) | 3D-printed (PLA) from the provided STL files | $5–25 | Reusable open-face mould that shapes the gelatine around the bone model. Clean with cold water, mild detergent and a toothbrush; do not use a dishwasher, as the thermoplastic may deform in hot water. |
| Cellophane Wrap | Per simulator | Cellophane | $5–15 | Lines the mould interior so the set simulator lifts out cleanly; removed from the finished simulator. |
Build Instructions
Phase 1: Prepare simulators for unblinded training
Step 1: Place mould on a large plate or tray in case of liquid spillage.
Step 2: Line the interior of the mould with clear cellophane wrap.
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Step 3: Place a white PLA 3D printed pediatric female forearm bone model into the mould.
Note: Align the arrows on the base of the bone models with the arrows on the ends of the mould. The letter "R" (radius) on the base of each bone model aligns with the "R" on the end of the mould, and the letter "U" (ulna) aligns with the "U" on the end of the mould.
Step 4: Heat 400 mL of water in a kettle, on a stove, or in a microwave.
Step 5: Add 80 g of unflavoured gelatine to a large measuring cup filled with 400 mL of water at room temperature.
Step 6: Mix well to remove any solid masses.
Step 7: Add the heated 400 mL of water to the gelatine solution.
Step 8: Mix well so all the gelatine dissolves.
Step 9: Pour the gelatine solution into the mould.
Step 10: Place the mould carefully in the refrigerator while avoiding spillage.
Step 11: Wait 30 minutes for the gelatine to settle into the mould, then pour the leftover gelatine solution to fill up the mould.
Step 12: Refrigerate the mould for 4 hours to set completely.
Step 13: Slide a knife gently between the mould and cellophane to help loosen the mould.
Step 14: While an assistant stabilizes the mould with both hands on a flat surface, grab the base of each bone model with needle nose pliers and carefully extract the simulator from the mould.
Step 15: Remove the cellophane from the simulator.
Step 16: After use, wipe off the ultrasound gel gently and store the simulator in a refrigerator.
Step 17: Clean the mould and bone model with cold water, mild detergent, and a toothbrush for reuse.
Phase 2: Prepare simulators for blinded training
Step 1: Place mould on a large plate or tray in case of liquid spillage.
Step 2: Line the interior of the mould with clear cellophane wrap.
_5-10.jpg)
Step 3: Place a black PLA 3D printed pediatric female forearm bone model into the mould.
Note: Align the arrows on the base of the bone models with the arrows on the ends of the mould. The letter "R" (radius) on the base of each bone model aligns with the "R" on the end of the mould, and the letter "U" (ulna) aligns with the "U" on the end of the mould.
Step 4: Heat 400 mL of water in a kettle, on a stove, or in a microwave.
Step 5: Add 80 g of unflavoured gelatine to a large measuring cup filled with 400 mL of water at room temperature.
Step 6: Mix well to remove any solid masses.
Step 7: Add the heated 400 mL of water to the gelatine solution.
Step 8: Mix well so all the gelatine dissolves.
Step 9: Add 40 drops of blue food colouring, 20 drops red food colouring, and 20 drops yellow food colouring (or 80 drops of black food colouring) and mix well.
Step 10: Pour the gelatine solution into the mould.
Step 11: Place the mould carefully in the refrigerator while avoiding spillage.
Step 12: Wait 30 minutes for the gelatine to settle into the mould, then pour the leftover gelatine solution to fill up the mould.
Step 13: Refrigerate the mould for 4 hours to set completely.
Step 14: Slide a knife gently between the mould and cellophane to help loosen the mould.
Step 15: While an assistant stabilizes the mould with both hands on a flat surface, grab the base of the bone model with needle nose pliers and carefully extract the simulator from the mould.
Step 16: Remove the cellophane from the simulator.
Step 17: After use, wipe off the ultrasound gel gently and store the simulator in a refrigerator.
Step 18: Clean the mould and bone model with cold water, mild detergent, and a toothbrush for reuse.
Note: Do not use a dishwasher to clean the mould or bone model because the thermoplastic may deform when exposed to heated water.
References
| 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 July 14, 2026. |