Developing an anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion simulator for neurosurgical resident training.

摘要: BACKGROUND: Surgical simulators are useful in many surgical disciplines to augment residency training. Duty hour restrictions and increasing emphasis on patient safety attending oversight have changed neurosurgical education from the traditional apprenticeship model. The Congress of Neurological Surgeons Simulation Committee has been developing for purpose enhancing resident assessing proficiency. OBJECTIVE: To review initial experience with an anterior cervical diskectomy fusion (ACDF) simulator. METHODS: first ACDF training module was implemented at 2012 Annual Meeting. 90-minute curriculum included a written pretest, didactics, practical pretest simulator, hands-on training, posttest, postcourse feedback. Didactic material covered clinical indications ACDF, comparison other procedures, anatomy approach, principles arthrodesis spinal fixation, complication management. Written pretests posttests were administered assess baseline knowledge evidence improvement after module. Qualitative evaluation individual performance (simulator) portion included. RESULTS: Three neurosurgery residents, 2 senior medical students, 1 neurosurgeon participated course. scores average 9.2 (range, 6-13). Posttest improved 11.0 9-13; P = .03). CONCLUSION: Initial simulator suggests that it may represent meaningful residents. will be important modality residents practice technique teachers competency. Further development didactic require additional verification validity reliability.