Development of a congenital hand anomalies model for index pollicization training - 12/11/26

Doi : 10.1016/j.hansur.2026.103029

Pobe Luangjarmekorn ^a,^b,^c, Pakorn Yonwises ^a, Vanasiri Kuptniratsaikul ^a,^c,⁎ , Pravit Kitidumrongsook ^a, Nuttinan Boonnao ^b, Sarawut Rimdusit ^b

^a Faculty of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand

^b Center of Excellence in Polymeric Materials for Medical Practice Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

^c Department of Orthopaedics, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Redcross, Bangkok, Thailand

^⁎ Corresponding author.

Sous presse. Épreuves corrigées par l'auteur. Disponible en ligne depuis le Thursday 12 November 2026

Graphical abstract

Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.

Highlights

•	Pediatric-Sized Innovation: Built a high-fidelity hand model for index pollicization training in thumb hypoplasia.
•	Bio-Material Realism: Features a custom PDMS/silk composite skin and simulated anatomical structures for dissection.
•	Proven Educational Impact: A study of 19 residents showed mean knowledge scores rose from 4.64 to 7.90 ( p < 0.001).
•	Boosted Surgical Confidence: Trainee self-confidence rose from 4.89 to 8.16 ( p < 0.001) after a 2-hour workshop.
•	High Trainee Satisfaction: Trainees rated anatomical realism at 8.68/10 and overall usefulness at 9.0/10.

Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.

Abstract

Background

Index pollicization is a technically demanding procedure used to treat congenital thumb hypoplasia. Because the condition is rare, surgical trainees have very few clinical opportunities to practice and master these complex surgical steps. To address this training gap, this study aimed to develop a pediatric hand model for practicing index pollicization and to evaluate its effectiveness in improving participants' knowledge and self-confidence regarding the procedure.

Methods

A quasi-experimental, one-group, pretest-posttest study was conducted among 19 orthopedic residents (postgraduate years 1–4). Participants attended a two-hour hands-on workshop using a high-fidelity hand model that simulated skin, subcutaneous tissue, bone, and vascular structures. Knowledge and self-confidence were assessed before and after training using questionnaires based on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 0 to 10. Pre- and post-training scores were compared using paired t-tests.

Results

Mean knowledge scores (maximum score 10) significantly increased from 4.64 ± 1.68 before training to 7.90 ± 1.78 after training. Mean self-confidence scores improved from 4.89 ± 1.77–8.16 ± 1.81. Post-training feedback indicated scores of 8.53 ± 1.31 for the realism of skin and subcutaneous tissue, 8.68 ± 0.95 for the realism of bone and vascular structures, and 9.09 ± 1.02 for the usefulness of the training.

Conclusions

A surgical training model for index pollicization significantly improved participants' knowledge and self-confidence. The model was considered realistic and useful, demonstrating its potential as an additional training tool for this complex and low-incidence surgical procedure.