The development of spinal surgery training model

Abstract

Training new surgeons on spinal surgery is a difficult and expensive task. Most spinal models are expensive and focus on one or few aspects. Preparation of surgical students requires typically a long training process before they are allowed to deal with patients. This research presents the development of an efficient model designed to assist the training surgeons. The model invokes nondestructive evaluation techniques to provide live feedback information during the simulated surgery. The aim of the model is to assess and investigate the type and level of pressure exerted on the spine during surgery. By placing an array of sensors inside the model, and analyzing the acquired data, we can identify the amount and type of pressure exerted on the spine during the operation. Consultations with physicians are conducted to quantify appropriate and safe pressure levels. Simulations are conducted and the results are compared with experimental measurements to estimate the accuracy and practicality for various types of sensors. Various sensor types and different model designs are investigated. Results obtained using the force-sensing-resistor FSR sensor are found to be promising. FSR sensors are easy to fabricate and can be adjusted to fit simply in the model. The developed spinal cord surgery model provides inexpensive, simple and efficient platform that can reduce the cost and time of training surgeon trainees. The model can thus enhance the efficiency of medical treatment for patients with spinal cord problems.