A validation study of a novel metacarpal simulator: the next step in hand fracture fixation training

Leo BH Gundle; Alfred J Owens; Robert W Gregson; Holly E Sheldon-Wilson; Melanie F Moffat

doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2025.01.045

A validation study of a novel metacarpal simulator: the next step in hand fracture fixation training

Leo BH Gundle^*, Alfred J Owens, Robert W Gregson, Holly E Sheldon-Wilson, Melanie F Moffat

^*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

Simulated bones play a crucial role in surgical training, yet existing models vary in fidelity and cost. We developed a novel, low-cost, high-quality SLA 3D-printed metacarpal to enhance hand trauma training.

Our design incorporates novel cortico-medullary differentiation to replicate the tactile feedback experienced when drilling through real bone.

Our device was tested across 3 centres with 17 hand surgeons providing feedback. Overall surgeons highly rated our device, with it outperforming homogenous control simulators. All surgeons agreed that it had the potential to enhance surgical training.
We have addressed the single use aspect of our devices by partnering with a plastic upcycling firm to repurpose used simulators, minimising landfill waste.

We look forward to implementing our device in surgical training, whilst further improving it via the addition of built in fractures and a soft tissue envelope.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	71-74
Number of pages	4
Journal	Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
Volume	102
Early online date	1 Feb 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2025.01.045
Publication status	Published - 1 Mar 2025

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© 2025 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons

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title = "A validation study of a novel metacarpal simulator: the next step in hand fracture fixation training",

abstract = "Simulated bones play a crucial role in surgical training, yet existing models vary in fidelity and cost. We developed a novel, low-cost, high-quality SLA 3D-printed metacarpal to enhance hand trauma training. Our design incorporates novel cortico-medullary differentiation to replicate the tactile feedback experienced when drilling through real bone. Our device was tested across 3 centres with 17 hand surgeons providing feedback. Overall surgeons highly rated our device, with it outperforming homogenous control simulators. All surgeons agreed that it had the potential to enhance surgical training. We have addressed the single use aspect of our devices by partnering with a plastic upcycling firm to repurpose used simulators, minimising landfill waste. We look forward to implementing our device in surgical training, whilst further improving it via the addition of built in fractures and a soft tissue envelope.",

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note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2025 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons",

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doi = "10.1016/j.bjps.2025.01.045",

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T1 - A validation study of a novel metacarpal simulator

T2 - the next step in hand fracture fixation training

AU - Gundle, Leo BH

AU - Owens, Alfred J

AU - Gregson, Robert W

AU - Sheldon-Wilson, Holly E

AU - Moffat, Melanie F

PY - 2025/3/1

Y1 - 2025/3/1

N2 - Simulated bones play a crucial role in surgical training, yet existing models vary in fidelity and cost. We developed a novel, low-cost, high-quality SLA 3D-printed metacarpal to enhance hand trauma training. Our design incorporates novel cortico-medullary differentiation to replicate the tactile feedback experienced when drilling through real bone. Our device was tested across 3 centres with 17 hand surgeons providing feedback. Overall surgeons highly rated our device, with it outperforming homogenous control simulators. All surgeons agreed that it had the potential to enhance surgical training. We have addressed the single use aspect of our devices by partnering with a plastic upcycling firm to repurpose used simulators, minimising landfill waste. We look forward to implementing our device in surgical training, whilst further improving it via the addition of built in fractures and a soft tissue envelope.

AB - Simulated bones play a crucial role in surgical training, yet existing models vary in fidelity and cost. We developed a novel, low-cost, high-quality SLA 3D-printed metacarpal to enhance hand trauma training. Our design incorporates novel cortico-medullary differentiation to replicate the tactile feedback experienced when drilling through real bone. Our device was tested across 3 centres with 17 hand surgeons providing feedback. Overall surgeons highly rated our device, with it outperforming homogenous control simulators. All surgeons agreed that it had the potential to enhance surgical training. We have addressed the single use aspect of our devices by partnering with a plastic upcycling firm to repurpose used simulators, minimising landfill waste. We look forward to implementing our device in surgical training, whilst further improving it via the addition of built in fractures and a soft tissue envelope.

U2 - 10.1016/j.bjps.2025.01.045

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M3 - Article (Academic Journal)

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JO - Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

JF - Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

ER -

A validation study of a novel metacarpal simulator: the next step in hand fracture fixation training

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