The aim of this study was to validate the use of three models of fracture fixation in the assessment of technical skills. We recruited 21 subjects (six experts, seven intermediates, and eight novices) to perform three procedures: application of a dynamic compression plate on a cadaver porcine model, insertion of an unreamed tibial intramedullary nail, and application of a forearm external fixator, both on synthetic bone models. The primary outcome measures were the Objective Structural Assessment of technical skills global rating scale on video recordings of the procedures which were scored by two independent expert observers, and the hand movements of the surgeons which were analysed using the Imperial College Surgical Assessment Device.

The video scores were significantly different for the three groups in all three procedures (p < 0.05), with excellent inter-rater reliability (α = 0.88). The novice and intermediate groups specifically were significantly different in their performance with dynamic compression plate and intramedullary nails (p < 0.05). Movement analysis distinguished between the three groups in the dynamic compression plate model, but a ceiling effect was demonstrated in the intramedullary nail and external fixator procedures, where intermediates and experts performed to comparable standards (p > 0.6). A total of 85% (18 of 21) of the subjects found the dynamic compression model and 57% (12 of 21) found all the models acceptable tools of assessment.

This study has validated a low-cost, high-fidelity porcine dynamic compression plate model using video rating scores for skills assessment and movement analysis. It has also demonstrated that Synbone models for the application of and intramedullary nail and an external fixator are less sensitive and should be improved for further assessment of surgical skills in trauma. The availability of valid objective tools of assessment of surgical skills allows further studies into improving methods of training.

Biomechanical studies involving all-wire and hybrid types of circular frame have shown that oblique tibial fractures remain unstable when they are loaded. We have assessed a range of techniques for enhancing the fixation of these fractures. Eight models were constructed using Sawbones tibiae and standard Sheffield ring fixators, to which six additional fixation techniques were applied sequentially.

The major component of displacement was shear along the obliquity of the fracture. This was the most sensitive to any change in the method of fixation. All additional fixation systems were found to reduce shear movement significantly, the most effective being push-pull wires and arched wires with a three-hole bend. Less effective systems included an additional half pin and arched wires with a shallower arc. Angled pins were more effective at reducing shear than transverse pins.

The choice of additional fixation should be made after consideration of both the amount of stability required and the practicalities of applying the method to a particular fracture.