A knee model for arthrocentesis simulation.
OBJECTIVE
To produce a knee model for medical students and residents to practice knee aspiration and intra-articular injection.


METHODS
The model was made of plastic, rubber and silicone that included the lower third of the femur, the upper third of the tibia and the patella. They were fixed on 2 plastic boxes in the anatomical position and the boxes were connected together with 2 small hinge joints. A rubber bag was made in the pattern of synovial space of the knee. Quadriceps, anterior muscles of the leg and patellar tendon were also presented. The model was covered with silicon sheet, representing the skin. Water was used to fill up the synovial bag to simulate joint aspiration via supero-lateral approach with the knee in extension. The model was appraised by 30 medical students, 26 orthopedic residents and 10 orthopedic staff in terms of size, anatomy, physical examination, feeling during aspiration, need of the model in education and commercial use.


RESULTS
Most of the medical students, residents and staff (80-90%) were satisfied with the model and rated it as good to very good teaching media. However, the model should come out in different sizes and the synovial bag should be modified to improve the ballotment test. Mass production of the model should be done.


CONCLUSIONS
The knee model is an acceptable teaching model for arthrocentesis simulation with affordable cost.
Waikakul
Saranatra
S
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
Vanadurongwan
Borwornrat
B
Chumtup
Wangchar
W
Assawamongkolgul
Apichart
A
Chotivichit
Areesak
A
Rojanawanich
Vatanachai
V
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D007719:Knee Joint; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D019152:Paracentesis / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D016544:Patient Simulation; D013785:Thailand