Development and Evaluation of a Low-Cost 3D Printed Scoliosis Neuraxial Training Model
Man Kuan Lei, Lauren Nguyen, Scott Drapeau, Alexander Butwick, Pedram Aleshi, Peter Yeh, Jeremy Juang

Background
Neuraxial procedures are more technically challenging in patients with scoliosis
No commercially available scoliosis-specific trainers currently exist
Existing models in the literature are non-reproducible, one-off prototypes

Study Objective: Develop an affordable, adaptable 3D-printed scoliosis epidural trainer

Design Goals: High fidelity, Reproducibility, Accessibility

Study Design/Methods
Model adaptable on Genesis trainer base
Open-source scoliotic spine file
Fabrication: Blender, standard desktop 3D printers, silicone
Low cost: ~$40 per unit

Results
33 participants total: 20 residents (60%), 13 attendings/fellows (40%)

Results
NASA Simulation Task Load Index (SIM-TLX) assessment tool

Results
Performance feedback

Conclusion
Moderate cognitive workload
Low physical/environmental burden
Strong perceived fidelity and educational value
Scalable Low-cost

Next Steps
Improve realism and cost-efficiency
Ultrasound-compatibility
Simulator performance → clinical outcomes?

References
1. 3D Print Med 2025. doi:10.1186/s41205-025-00266-x
2. PloS one 2018. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191664
3. Virtual Reality 2020. doi: 10.1007/s10055-019-00422-9
4. Scoliosis. Sketchfab. https://skfb.ly/6BNMP