3D PRINTED PATHOLOGY: A NOVEL WAY OF TRAINING IN COMPLEX ORTHOPAEDIC HIP SURGERY

IntroductionSurgical simulation and ‘virtual’ surgical tools are becoming recognised as essential aids for speciality training in Trauma & Orthopaedics, as evidenced by the BOA T&O Simulation Curriculum 20131,2. The current generation of hip arthroplasty simulators, including cadaveric workshops, offers the trainee limited exposure to reproducible real life bony pathology. We developed and implemented a novel training course using pathological dry bone models generated from real patient cases to support senior orthopaedic trainees and new consultants in developing knowledge and hands on skills in complex total hip arthroplasty.Patient/Materials & MethodsA two-day programme for 20 delegates was held at a specialist centre for hip arthroplasty. Three complex femoral and three complex acetabular cases were identified from patients seen at our centre. 3D models were printed from CT scans and dry bone models produced (using a mold-casting process), enabling each delegate to have a copy of each case at a cost o...