Medical simulator for the training of traumatologists: pilot work

BACKGROUND: Pelvic fractures are one of the most complex and fatal injuries because numerous large blood vessels are affected. They entail partial or complete loss of working capacity and have a high mortality rate. In medical practice, the number of pelvic fractures is fewer than that of other types of fractures, and specialists often lack practical experience and skills in the treatment. Thus, for the training, or advanced training of specialists, more serious theoretical training is required, which is unproductive without high-quality training simulators and models.

AIM: The study aimed to develop and manufacture an easy-to-use simulator that mimics human soft tissues and makes it possible to comprehensively prepare and educate specialists in the technique of installing an external fixation device for unstable pelvic fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: To create the simulator, several main stages were completed: obtaining samples of the pelvic bones, making a mold for casting, and directly assembling the simulator. To obtain bone samples, computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance therapy images were used, on which a three-dimensional (3D) model of the pelvic bones was obtained. Based on this model, anatomically accurate copies of the pelvic bones were made using additive technologies. Then, a 3D digital computer model was developed, and a mold for casting the finished product was made. Bone samples were placed inside the mold, and the mold was gradually filled with a gelatin–glycerin compound, which after hardening mimics human soft tissues.

RESULTS: A prototype of a medical simulator for teaching the installation of the concomitant injury kit apparatus for unstable pelvic fractures was made.

CONCLUSION: The manufactured simulator can be widely used in educating and training specialists given its sufficiently high anatomical accuracy, ease of maintenance, and good potential for mass production.