Tibial Shaft Transverse Fracture Simulator

Medical equipment data
Part of Tibial Fracture Fixation
Uniplanar External Fixation
Required by Modular External Fixation for an Open Humeral Shaft Transverse Fracture
Modular External Fixation for an Open Tibial Shaft Transverse Fracture
Training Logbook
Uniplanar External Fixation for an Open Tibial Shaft Transverse Fracture
The 3D printed bone models of the Tibial Shaft Transverse Fracture Simulator feature a semi-engraved model number, gender symbol, and two drilling direction arrows on the base of each model to assist with model identification and proper orientation of the simulator.

This data-driven, gender-specific, easy to print, environmentally friendly, hygienic, and cruelty-free simulator can be locally made to provide the highest fidelity orthopedic surgical simulation training at the lowest cost in resource-constrained settings. Clear cellophane is wrapped around the slightly distracted 3D printed proximal and distal fracture fragments to simulate the soft tissue envelope and permit visual inspection for targeted self-assessment by the learner. The vise clamps are positioned so the fracture ends are distracted by 2.0 - 3.0 mm but are otherwise properly aligned to simulate a fracture with restored angulation, and rotation.

Materials and Equipment

1
For the Tibial Shaft Transverse Fracture Simulator, the 3D Printed Adult Tibial Bone Model 1 (left) is the proximal fragment, and the 3D Printed Adult Tibial Bone Model 2 (right) is the distal fragment.
3D Printed Adult Tibial Bone Models 1 and 2

Click on the links below for instructions on how to obtain 3D Printed Adult Tibial Bone Models.

2
Roll of clear cellophane wrap to simulate the soft tissue envelope overlying the proximal and distal fragments (left), 2 blue vise clamps to secure the Tibial Shaft Transverse Fracture Simulator (middle), and 4 black G-clamps to secure the blue vise clamps to a table (right).
Miscellaneous Supplies
  • Clear cellophane
  • Vise clamps (minimum 2)
Based on user feedback, we are now recommending learners obtain two 2-in-1 vise clamps instead of two table clamps and four G-clamps to secure the bone models. These 2-in-1 vise clamps are easier to use, cheaper overall ($17 USD/clamp) and can be obtained locally but the delivery times are longer (2 weeks) because they are imported. We will be updating our simulator build video to showcase these 2-in-1 vise clamps soon.
3
Any powered orthopedic surgical drill that is compatible with 5.0 mm diameter self-drilling Schanz screws can be used.
Powered Surgical Drill and Accessories
  • 5.0 mm diameter self-drilling Schanz screw
  • Chuck key
  • Powered surgical drill
The Arbutus Medical HEX Drill Kit uses autoclavable drill covers to permit faster turnaround on reprocessing orthopedic surgical drills in resource-constrained settings.[1]

Set Up of the Tibial Shaft Transverse Fracture Simulator

Assemble and Test Powered Surgical Drill

Any powered orthopedic surgical drill that is compatible with 5.0 mm diameter self-drilling Schanz screws can be used for this skills training module.
1
Arbutus Medical HEX Drill Kit
Collect Supplies

Obtain the following supplies:

2
Arbutus Medical HEX Drill with 5.0 mm diameter Schanz Screw and Chuck Key
Assemble Drill and Insert Schanz Screw
  • Follow the surgical drill manufacturer's instructions on how to assemble the surgical drill and insert a 5.0 mm diameter self-drilling Schanz screw using the chuck key.
  • If using the Arbutus Medical HEX Drill Kit, follow the video instructions to assemble the Arbutus Medical HEX Drill and insert a 5.0 mm diameter self-drilling Schanz screw.
A sterile person is NOT required to assemble the Arbutus Medical HEX Drill for simulation training.
3
Test Drill to Confirm Drilling Direction
  • If using the Arbutus Medical HEX Drill Kit, push on the forward drilling direction switch on the right side of the drill for clockwise rotation. NOTE: Different drills have different locations for the switch that controls forward drilling direction.
  • Test the surgical drill by squeezing the on/off trigger to confirm that the drill is ready for use. The Schanz screw tip should be rotating in a clockwise direction when the Schanz screw tip is pointing away from you.

Acknowledgements

This work is funded by a grant from the Intuitive Foundation. Any research, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this work are those of the author(s), and not of the Intuitive Foundation.

References

  1. ↑ Arbutus Medical. Hex Drill Kit - Orthopedic Surgical Drill [Internet]. Arbutus Medical. Arbutus Medical; 2021 [cited 2021 Nov 28]. Available from: https://arbutusmedical.com/drillcover-hex/.
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License CC-BY-SA-4.0
Cite as Medical Makers (2021–2026). "Tibial Shaft Transverse Fracture Simulator". Appropedia. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
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