An innovative nerve repair simulation model with a technique to assess fasicular coaptation

Traumatic nerve injuries and its repair are an integral part of hand surgery speciality. Along with suitable tension at the anastomotic site, another important factor that determines favourable outcome during repair is to obtain a proper coaptation of the nerve fascicles. Practice in microsurgical skill labs on simulation models helps residents and young surgeons to develop these key steps. An ideal simulation exercise should not only mimic the technical challenges involved in the procedure but should also allow the trainees to evaluate their own technique & methods. As there is lack of description of simulation exercises with provision for evaluation of extent of repair in the literature, we propose a simple model of nerve repair simulation emphasizing on evaluation of fascicular coaptation.