OrthoPlab

OrthopLab

The Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology (IOT) of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of USP offers an immersive experience in orthopedics for physicians and undergraduate medical students. Far beyond plaster casts, the specialty encompasses various techniques and therapies for musculoskeletal conditions. The daily life of a modern orthopedist will be experienced through discussion and practice of topics in traumatology, arthroscopy, and ultrasonography.

The course is a hands-on, in-person theoretical-practical program. Participants will be divided into groups and will rotate through different stations covering these three themes. Each station will include a theoretical activity, a group dynamic exercise, and a practical component supervised by IOT HCFMUSP preceptors in small groups.

The trauma station will initially feature a lecture on Musculoskeletal Fixation, explaining the principles and the evolution of methods. Following this, there will be a TBL (team-based learning) activity involving a polytrauma case. After the case presentation, there will be a discussion in subgroups with an instructor. Finally, there will be a practical bone fixation activity simulating the procedures necessary for treating the discussed case.

The arthroscopy station begins with a lecture on arthroscopic technique, its history, applications, and advantages over open surgery. After the lecture, students will participate in a hands-on activity with black boxes or domes to familiarize themselves with the instruments. Finally, a non-immersive virtual reality simulator will be used for arthroscopy practice.

The ultrasound station will cover concepts of ultrasound and orthopedic pain management. First, there will be a lecture on the main concepts. Then, practical ultrasound work will be conducted on generic and articular phantom models. Finally, ultrasound work will be performed on live models in subgroups.

In this way, students will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with aspects of the daily practice of an orthopedist, and understand how technology is often associated with the specialty. All of this will be accompanied by our dedicated and committed team of preceptors.