How I do it: tapered rod placement across the cervicothoracic junction for augmented posterior constructs

International Learner Perceptions, Educational Value, and Cost Associated With the Use of Start-to-Finish Surgical Simulation Compared With Cadaveric Models

BACKGROUND

Graduate surgical education is highly variable across regions and institutions regarding case volume and degree of trainee participation in each case. Dedicated educational curriculum using cadaveric tissue has been shown to enhance graduate surgical training, however with associated financial and utility burden to the institution.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the utility of educational and cost applications of a novel method of combining mixed organic hydrogel polymers and 3-dimensional printed anatomic structures to create a complete "start-to-finish" simulation for resident education in spinal anatomy, instrumentation, and surgical techniques.

METHODS

This qualitative pilot study investigated 14 international participants on achievement of objective and personal learning goals in a standardized curriculum using biomimetic simulation compared with cadaveric tissue. A questionnaire was developed to examine trainee evaluation of individual anatomic components of the biomimetic simulators compared with previous experience with cadaveric tissue.

RESULTS

A total of 210 responses were acquired from 14 participants. Six participants originated from US residency education programs and 8 from transcontinental residency programs. Survey results for the simulation session revealed high user satisfaction. Score averages for each portion of the simulation session indicated learner validation of anatomic features for the simulation compared with previous cadaveric experience. Cost analysis resulted in an estimated savings of $10 833.00 for this single simulation session compared with previous cadaveric tissue sessions.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate a strong potential of establishing biomimetic simulation as a cost-effective and high-quality alternative to cadaveric tissue for the instruction of fundamental spine surgical techniques.

Establishing a Cost-Effective 3-Dimensional Printing Laboratory for Anatomical Modeling and Simulation: An Institutional Experience

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is rapidly growing in popularity for anatomical modeling and simulation for medical organizations across the world. Although this technology provides a powerful means of creating accurately representative models of anatomic structures, there remains formidable financial and workforce barriers to understanding the fundamentals of technology use, as well as establishing a cost- and time-effective system for standardized incorporation into a workflow for simulator design and anatomical modeling. There are many factors to consider when choosing the appropriate printer and accompanying software to succeed in accomplishing the desired goals of the executing team. The authors have successfully used open-access software and desktop fused deposition modeling 3D printing methods to produce more than 1000 models for anatomical modeling and procedural simulation in a cost-effective manner. It is our aim to share our experience and thought processes of implementing 3D printing into our anatomical modeling and simulation workflow to encourage other institutions to comfortably adopt this technology into their daily routines.