Joint access is a critical skill for procedures like arthrocentesis, used to aspirate synovial fluid for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Improperly performed joint treatments can result in significant complications, such as damage to surrounding muscles, tendons, and blood vessels. The use of ultrasound has become the gold standard for guiding joint access, particularly in smaller joints like the wrist. Ultrasound significantly improves accuracy by helping clinicians identify critical landmarks, thereby reducing procedural risks. Despite this, existing joint access training models have limitations, including high costs, lack of ultrasound compatibility, and poor reusability due to visible needle tracks from prior use. Furthermore, infrequent performance of such procedures in clinical practice highlights the need for effective and accessible training solutions.
This study addresses these challenges by developing a novel, do-it-yourself (DIY) ultrasound-compatible wrist joint access trainer. The model utilizes sustainable materials, including 3D-printed bones encapsulated in an ultrasound-compatible gelatin mixture. This design is cost-effective, reusable, and environmentally friendly, making it accessible for resource-limited clinical simulation settings. Unlike conventional models, it eliminates visible needle tracks after practice, ensuring repeated usability. The model was validated through pixel brightness analysis and visual inspection, demonstrating its ability to replicate the anatomical structures and ultrasound profiles of the wrist joint effectively.
By enabling clinicians to practice ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis in a cost-efficient and realistic manner, this DIY wrist phantom fills a critical gap in training. It enhances skill acquisition and confidence for both novice and experienced clinicians, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Future work will focus on translating these training skills to real patient applications. This innovative model provides a sustainable and practical alternative for medical education, particularly in settings with limited resources.
