Development of a Novel 3D Printed Phantom for Teaching Neurosurgical Trainees the Freehand Technique of C2 Laminar Screw Placement

3D printed models have grown in popularity for resident training. Currently there is a paucity of simulators specifically designed for advanced cervical instrumentation. Our institution created a unique simulator for the instruction of freehand placement of C2 laminar screws using a specific 3-dimensional printing technique to replicate the corticocancellous interface. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of the simulator for teaching neurosurgical residents the freehand technique of C2 laminar screw placement. Ten participants with different experience levels participated in the study. The participants were separated into 2 groups based on experience level. Primary outcome assessments were breach rates, screw–screw interaction, and the ability to successfully place 2 screws in 1 model. Participants were graded based on a performance scoring system, and the outcomes of the 2 groups were compared. All participants in the novice group showed improved technical ability on repeated use of the simulator and were able to successfully place bilateral screws by the fourth attempt. Statistical analysis indicated an association between operative experience level and successful bilateral screw placement, implying that the simulator accurately represented an in vivo intraoperative scenario. By utilizing our novel 3D printing production method, we have created a unique simulator for the freehand placement of C2 laminar screws. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a study investigating the use of a 3-dimensional printed simulator specifically designed to teach the freehand placement of C2 laminar screws to neurosurgical trainees.