Obtaining high-quality fluoroscopic images is a fundamental skill for all orthopedic residents that facilitates the safe placement of screws when treating pelvic and acetabular fractures percutaneously. Obtaining these views intraoperatively is technically challenging and requires a specific understanding of both fluoroscopy and pelvic anatomy. Nevertheless, obtaining and interpreting each view is considered a core competency for all orthopedic surgery residents and fellows. Generally, residents learn how to obtain and interpret these views through textbooks, lectures/videos, and teaching in the operating room. Occasionally, residents may have the opportunity to practice obtaining these views and placing percutaneous pelvic and acetabular screws in cadavers. However, there is currently no easily accessible and economic hands-on training model for residents to learn how to obtain and interpret these fluoroscopic images or to place percutaneous pelvic and acetabular screws safely and effectively. These concerns are particularly compounded at institutions with relatively lower cumulative trauma volumes and in resource-limited countries where access to cadavers and trauma fellowship training may be limited.
Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a novel, affordable, realistic, and easily accessible pelvis training model and an interactive educational platform, known as “The Ortho Academy,” in teaching residents about obtaining and interpreting fluoroscopic images of the pelvis and acetabulum and performing percutaneous pelvic and acetabular wire/screw insertion. With validation, this teaching model can be easily incorporated into residency training and may even have a potential role for use in the Orthopaedic Trauma Association Resident Fracture Courses.
Our entire team is grateful to the OTA for supporting this research to advance education in this complex and ever-expanding area of orthopedics.
A Novel Pelvic Training Model for Fluoroscopic Imaging and Percutaneous Fixation in Orthopedic Trauma
Nicholas Tucker, MD
University of Colorado
Co-Investigators: Cyril Mauffrey, MD; Babar Shafiq, MD, MSPT; Joshua Parry, MD; Chima Nwankwo, MD; Justin Hellwinkel, MD; Marc Greenberg, MD; Diane Ghanem, MD; Henry Shu, BS; Ben Pesante, MS