The treatment of paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures is likely one of the first procedures involving X-ray guided wire insertion that trainee orthopaedic surgeons will encounter. Pinning is a skill that requires high levels of anatomical knowledge, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination. We developed a simulation model using silicone soft-tissue and 3D-printed bones to allow development and practice of this skill at no additional risk to patients. For this model, we have focused on reusability and lowering raw-material costs without compromising fidelity.

To achieve this, the initial bone model was extracted from open-source computed tomography scans and modified from adult to paediatric size. Muscle of appropriate robustness was then sculpted around the bones using 3D modelling software. A cutaneous layer was developed to mimic oedema using clay sculpturing on a plaster-casted paediatric forearm. These models were then used for 3D-printing and silicone casting respectively. The bone models were printed with settings to imitate cortical and cancellous densities and give high-fidelity tactile feedback upon drilling. Each humerus costs NZD $0.30 in material to print and can be used 1–3 times. Silicone casting of the soft-tissue layers imitates differing relative densities between muscle and oedematous cutaneous tissue, thereby increasing skill necessary to accurately palpate landmarks. Each soft-tissue sleeve cost NZD $70 in material costs to produce and can be used 20+ times.

The resulting model is modular, reusable, and replaceable, with each component standardised and easily reproduced. It can be used to practice land-mark palpation and Kirschner wire pinning and is especially valuable in smaller centres which may not be able to afford traditional Saw Bones models. This low-cost model thereby improves equity while maintaining quality of simulation training.

The aim of this retrospective multicentre study was to report the continued occurrence of compartment syndrome secondary to paediatric supracondylar humeral fractures in the period 1995 to 2005. The inclusion criteria were children with a closed, low-energy supracondylar fracture with no associated fractures or vascular compromise, who subsequently developed compartment syndrome. There were 11 patients (seven girls and four boys) identified from eight hospitals in three countries. Ten patients with severe elbow swelling documented at presentation had a mean delay before surgery of 22 hours (6 to 64). One patient without severe swelling documented at presentation suffered arterial entrapment following reduction, with a subsequent compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy 25 hours after the index procedure.

This series is noteworthy, as all patients had low-energy injuries and presented with an intact radial pulse. Significant swelling at presentation and delay in fracture reduction may be important warning signs for the development of a compartment syndrome in children with supracondylar fractures of the humerus.