The Perry Initiative has created nearly two dozen hands-on workshop modules. Provided below are descriptions of some of these unique modules. Complete lesson plans, video tutorials, and instructor slides may be available upon request. Please contact us directly.

The majority of the modules use anatomic models that can be purchased through Sawbones.

Fracture Repair using Plates and Screws

Students will learn the fundamentals of plate-screw fixation for simple and complex fracture repairs. Topics covered include screw sizing, screw types (lag, fully threaded, locking), and plate positioning and contouring. Students create their own anatomic fractures on Sawbones models and then apply their repair strategy. Anatomic sites may vary but include distal radius, tibia, femur, and acetabulum.

Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis

Students will perform a spinal fusion to correct scoliosis. The instructor will give a brief overview of spinal anatomy, scoliosis, and treatment options. Students will be presented with a “patient” with adult degenerative lumbar scoliosis for which screw-rod fusion is recommended from T11-Pelvis. Students will install orthopaedic hardware in an anatomical model to create the fusion. They will then test the overall rigidity of the spine and measure spinal alignment.

Rotator Cuff Repair

Students will repair the supraspinatus tendon of the rotator cuff using a double row technique consisting of bone tunnels, suture anchors, or a combination thereof. The basic principles of tendon-bone anchoring will be explained, and models of different repair techniques will be shown. Students will then choose a repair strategy and recreate it in anatomical models using standard household hardware. After repair, students will apply repeated physiological loads to the tendon and will examine the repair for damage.

External Fixation

Students will apply an external fixator to a mid-shaft tibia or femur fracture. The instructor will discuss decisions leading to internal versus external fixation of fractures. Students will create fracture, repair with an ex-fix construct of their choice, and test the stability of their construct in axial compression, bending, and torsion.

Intramedullary Nail

Students will design and manufacture an intramedullary nail and use it to repair a mid-shaft femoral fracture. After a brief introduction to the mechanical principles behind intramedullary (IM) nailing, students will problem-solve to determine ideal screw locations, sizes, and types for a retrograde femoral IM nail, and then they will manufacture the nail (from wood and screws). They will then install the nail, noting design improvements to the nail itself as well as any custom tools for installing the nail. Finally, students will test whether their nail has adequate proximal and distal fixation by creating a mid-shaft femoral fracture and applying compression to the bone.

Knee Ligament Reconstruction

Students will perform a total reconstruction of the four principal ligaments of the knee (anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate, medial collateral, and lateral collateral) using an anatomical model and household hardware. In performing the reconstructions, they will gain an understanding of the mechanical function of each ligament and the importance of ligament location and tension in maintaining proper bony alignment, stability, and functionality.