Stump simulator for plaster casts or palpation exercises

Abstract

Stump simulator for medical training purposes, especially for plaster casts or palpation exercises, characterized by an anatomical bone model enclosed by a soft layer of silicone gel or a similar soft material, wherein the external shape and texture of the soft tissue layer corresponds to a real amputation stump of a human extremity.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a medical training model (simulator) that realistically replicates the anatomical features of an amputated human limb. The simulator is used in orthopedic training, physiotherapy, and prosthetics, particularly for practicing palpation and impression techniques using plaster casts or scans. State of the art and problem statement

[0002] In medical training, it is often difficult to recruit subjects with actual amputation stumps for teaching purposes. Conventional training models are frequently either too rigid (purely plastic models) or do not represent the internal bony structure. This means that learners cannot realistically practice the haptic feedback that occurs when feeling bone edges beneath soft tissue or when applying pressure during a plaster cast. Solution to the problem

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of creating a simulator that almost realistically simulates the haptic and mechanical properties of a real amputation stump. This objective is achieved by the features of claim 1. The simulator essentially consists of a combination of: • An anatomical bone model that represents the bony base of the respective extremity (e.g. femur, tibia, humerus). • An enclosure made of silicone gel or a similar soft material that simulates soft tissue (muscle, fat, skin). Beneficial effects

[0004] The layered structure of a solid core (bone) and an elastic shell (gel) provides haptic feedback that is virtually indistinguishable from a real stump. This enables: 1. The precise detection (palpation) of bony reference points that are crucial for the fit of the prosthesis. 2. A realistic plaster cast in which the material deforms under the pressure of the bandages like human tissue and encounters resistance on the bone model. 3. The simulation of joint movements by embedding the bone models in the flexible gel, which maps the dynamics of a stump in the movement process. Example of implementation

[0005] In a preferred design, the anatomical bone model is placed in a negative mold that corresponds to the outer contour of an amputation stump. This mold is then filled with a medical-grade silicone gel. By selecting the Shore hardness of the silicone, the simulator can be adapted to different tissue types (e.g., muscular, adipose, or atrophic). The simulator can be manufactured modularly for lower leg, upper leg, forearm, or upper arm amputations. Reference symbol list Reference sign Designation Function / Detail 1 Stump simulator Complete facility for medical training. 2 Anatomical bone model Internal rigid structure (e.g. femur, tibia, humerus). 3 soft tissue layer Enclosure made of silicone gel or similar elastomer. 4 interface Contact area between bone model and gel layer. 5 Outer surface Surface of the simulator (skin simulation). 6 joint section Area for simulating joint movements. 7 Base / holder Optional mounting point for tripods or tables. 8 End of amputation Distal end of the simulator with specific scarring simulation. • Fig. 1: An exterior view of the simulator (overall shape). • Fig. 2: A longitudinal section showing the internal bone model and the surrounding silicone layer.

Claims

Stump simulator for medical training purposes, especially for plaster casts or palpation exercises, characterized by an anatomical bone model enclosed by a soft layer of silicone gel or a similar soft material, wherein the external shape and texture of the soft tissue layer corresponds to a real amputation stump of a human extremity. Stump simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that the anatomical bone model is movably mounted in the soft tissue layer in order to realistically depict joint movements within the simulator. Stump simulator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is modularly constructed to replicate various amputated extremities such as lower leg, thigh, forearm or upper arm. Stump simulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the soft tissue layer is produced by casting the bone model into an outer mold corresponding to the respective amputation. Stump simulator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the combination of bone model and silicone gel enclosure is such that the simulator provides the haptic feedback of a real human amputation stump under pressure (palpation) or when making plaster casts.

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