Simulation Training of Orthopaedic Residents for Distal Radius Fracture Reductions Improves Radiographic Outcomes

Background: Most distal radius fractures can be treated with closed reduction and casting in pediatric patients. These skills are traditionally developed treating real patients, however, there is growing interest in the use of simulation training to supplement traditional learning strategies. Methods: Seventy-eight children with distal radius fractures that underwent closed reduction and casting by novice orthopaedic surgery residents were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic measures of patients treated by simulation-trained residents were compared with patients treated by residents without simulation training. Results: Patients treated by simulation-trained residents had less residual angulation in the anteroposterior radiograph (3.7 vs. 6.3 degrees,P=0.006) and translation on the lateral (14% vs. 21%,P=0.040) and anteroposterior radiograph (10% vs. 16%,P=0.029). Patients treated by simulation-trained residents also had lower rates of redisplacement (50% vs. 79%,P=0.016). Conclusions: Loss of reduction is common, particularly when novice trainees perform their first independent reductions. Residents who underwent simulation training had lower rates of loss of reduction, thus simulation training has potential as a supplement to the traditional apprentice model of medical education.