Effectiveness of Practical Skills Training on the Original Design Knee Joint Phantom

Background. Simulation training is a crucial aspect of intern training in Orthopedics surgery. Providing a practical and reproducible training environment, it helps interns avoid critical errors when working with future patients. Objective. The objective of our study was to design, manufacture, implement in education course and evaluate the effectiveness of a knee joint phantom for training knee joint puncture. Material and Methods. The knee joint phantom was created using Fusion 360 software and was printed using FDM technology on a Tevo Tarantula Pro printer with a Cura slicer with an insert container capable of repeated filling with various imitated liquids. To achieve a higher level of realism, the soft tissues were fully replicated. The phantom was fixed on two supports under the femoral and knee segments with a hinge, which provides the possibility of movements in the joint at different angles. 30 ordinators were involved in the study and divided into two groups: group I included 15 ordinators who conducted training on a knee model from the beginning of the 2nd year; group II consisted of 15 ordinators who conducted training from the beginning of the 1st year. The effectiveness of practical training was evaluated through statistical analysis of the results of OSCI, with a phantom being used. Results. The mean score was 3.9±2.7 and 4.8±2.8 in group I and group II, respectively, with the maximum possible result of 5.5, which indicates the effectiveness of simulation training with the help of a manufactured knee joint phantom. A small number of participants were included in the study, so no significant difference in learning outcomes between the comparison groups was established (p=0.09492). Conclusions. Simulation training with a knee phantom is an efficient method for educating orthopedic surgeons on how to perform manipulations on the knee joint. This training also aids in identifying those who have acquired the skill at a lower level. This approach can prevent potential errors when performing manipulations and minimize complications in the treatment of patients with knee joint pathology.