PGY-1 Curriculum: Soft Tissue Handling
Problem Identification and Needs Assessment:
Targeted Learners:
PGY-1 Orthopedic Residents
Possible PGY-2 Orthopedic Residents
Needs Assessment:
Soft tissue handling is a fundamental skill used by all surgeons. Awareness
of soft tissue characteristics vis a vis intraoperative handling and suturing
are essential skills for appropriate surgical technique that need to be taught
to residents. Suture handling and knot tying are also essential to surgical
technique.
Educational Approach:
The learner will participate in didactic, interactive and cadaver laboratory
dissection sessions to learn the basics of soft tissue handling, suturing and
knot tying.
Goals and objectives:
1. Learn appropriate use of surgical knives, scissors, forceps and sutures
in dissection and closure of wounds.
2. Learn the different types of suture materials, suture needles and their
uses.
3. Learn the various knot tying techniques used in surgery.
Module:
Required background reading with demonstration of correct technique in
skin incision, tissue plane dissection, use of surgical blades and scissors
with forceps, suturing and knot tying technique, in a cadaver lab.
Learner Evaluation and Feedback:
After each part is done, it is evaluated by the faculty and immediate
feedback is given.
Module will be evaluated by the learners in an anonymous way for didactic
content, usefulness of skills training and faculty evaluation.
Required Reading:
Hoppenfeld: Surgical Exposures in Orthopedics
A. K Henry: Extensile Exposure
ACS Modules: #2,3,4