Standardized Schematics for Facial Trauma Planning: A Clinical Education Tool

INTRODUCTION: Learning facial fracture management principles can be challenging for surgical trainees. Residents must assimilate nuances of fixation techniques, skeletal biomechanics, and hardware use while managing acute work-flow limitations. This study aims to design a standardized-schematic for teaching facial fracture management and evaluate its performance improving resident operative planning. METHODS: Printable schematics of the facial skeleton with soft-tissue overlay were developed. Instructions on depicting fracture pattern, incisions, plating sequence, loadbearing/sharing plates, locking/nonlocking screws, and mono/bicortical screws were given. Senior residents (n=5) evaluated computed tomography of 3 mandibular fractures and submitted 3 operative plans per case: first without guidance, then with written instruction, and finally using the schematic (n=45). Performance was graded on content and conceptual correctness. Data on time to completion was obtained. Likert-scale surveys assessing understanding, communication, and operative planning were given RESULTS:: Schematic use improved operative plan content and facilitated communication of resident operative schemes. Of 7 content domains spanning approach, plating strategy, and screw selection, a mean of 2.3, 3.7, and 6.5 were included with no guidance, written instruction, and schematic use respectively. Information on approach (P=0.001), plating type (P=0.02), screw location (P<0.000), screw depth (P=0.000), and screw locking status (P=0.000) were improved when comparing pre- and postintervention plans. Mean time to completion was 8 minutes and 54 seconds. All subjects "agreed" (n=2) or "strongly agreed" (n=3) that schematic use aided planning and communication. CONCLUSIONS: Simple, guided interventions can enhance surgical training by identifying knowledge gaps, improving visuospatial conceptualization, and facilitating targeted discussions with attendings.