Enhancing Orthopaedic Residents’ Microsurgery Suturing Skills Using a Low-Fidelity Setup

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Published: Nov 14, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69472/poai.2023.04
Keywords:
microsurgery, simulation model, microvascular surgery, surgical education, simulation

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Gabriel Antonio A. Escueta, MD
De La Salle University Medical Center, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines
Raymar L. Sibonga, MD
De La Salle University Medical Center, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines
Joaquin C. Pandanan, MD
De La Salle University Medical Center, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines

Abstract

Objective. To describe the suturing consistency of orthopaedic residents in microsurgery using a low-fidelity set-up. 


Background. Residents lack the time and resources to practice microsurgical suturing under a microscope before being exposed to live surgeries. Speedy and consistent suturing are critical skills during live surgery (e.g., vessel anastomosis in free flap surgery, or critical revascularization). This study presents a budget-friendly home or office setup for microsurgery practice to improve the consistency of suture distance and interval.


Methodology. This is a cross-sectional study that measured the consistency of suture distances and intervals and time to completion of seven Orthopaedic residents using a locally available digital USB-powered microscope, a monitor, and latex sheets. Consistency was analyzed using intraclass correlation.


Results. All residents had a faster time to completion with each attempt (mean 1st attempt = 27.7 min, 2nd attempt = 20.4 min, 3rd attempt = 17 min). The third attempt showed significantly improved suture consistency in all participants (ICC = 0.50, p<0.001).


Conclusion. This budget-friendly home or office set-up for microsurgery practice improves time to completion and consistency in suture intervals when suturing under magnification.

Article Details

How to Cite
Escueta, G. A., Sibonga, R., & Pandanan, J. (2023). Enhancing Orthopaedic Residents’ Microsurgery Suturing Skills Using a Low-Fidelity Setup. Philippine Journal of Orthopaedics, 38(1), 20–24. https://doi.org/10.69472/poai.2023.04
Issue
Vol. 38 No. 1 (2023): November Issue
Section
Original Articles
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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