Stoddart Michael Thomas, Rolt Lucy Mary Frances
Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Bedford Orthopaedic Hospital, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
BMJ Simul Technol Enhanc Learn. 2020 May 15;7(1):41-43. doi: 10.1136/bmjstel-2019-000569. eCollection 2021.
There is high demand for arthroscopic procedures in the developing world. Simulation allows trainees to develop basic arthroscopic skills away from theatre, where there may be reduced surgical exposure compared with centres with established arthroscopic practice. Smartphones are widely available and accessible throughout the world. We propose a method to create a low-cost, low-fidelity arthroscopic simulator that can be used at home by using the video call function of smartphones. We used readily available materials from a local market. An adequately sized cardboard box was used to house exercises, LED head torch as a light source, bamboo skewers as probes and a smartphone with video call function allowed visualisation without the need to purchase additional equipment. The whole simulator was constructed using less than 50 ZAR (US$3) of new materials. The arthroscopic simulator can be built simply and is easily portable. Established training exercises can be practised and allow development of basic arthroscopic skills. Our home-made simulator is inexpensive, simple to construct and does not require additional hardware (or software) purchases by the trainee. It is a perfect solution for individuals who want to practise their arthroscopic skills, either at home or at the workplace.
在发展中国家，对关节镜手术的需求很高。模拟训练能让学员在手术室之外培养基本的关节镜技术，因为与具备成熟关节镜手术经验的中心相比，手术室的手术视野可能会受限。智能手机在全球广泛普及且易于获取。我们提出一种方法，利用智能手机的视频通话功能，在家中创建一种低成本、低保真度的关节镜模拟器。我们使用了从当地市场容易获取的材料。用一个尺寸合适的硬纸盒来进行练习，用LED头戴式手电筒作为光源，用竹签作为探针，具备视频通话功能的智能手机可实现可视化，无需购买额外设备。整个模拟器用不到50南非兰特（约3美元）的新材料制成。该关节镜模拟器制作简单且便于携带。可以练习既定的训练项目，有助于培养基本的关节镜技术。我们自制的模拟器价格低廉、构造简单，学员无需额外购买硬件（或软件）。对于想在家中或工作场所练习关节镜技术的个人来说，它是一个完美的解决方案。
