The Brachial Plexus model : a novel interactive model using 3D printing

During the physical examination of patients suffering from trauma to the upper extremity, mapping of injuries can aid in diagnosis of brachial plexus injuries. Thus, an understanding of the distribution and function of the brachial plexus and its individual nerves is of essence in clinical practice to ensure accurate assessment of injury, to prevent further damage and assess any remaining function. The current brachial plexus model aimed to assist students in understanding the formation of the brachial plexus through creating and labelling each of the parts of the brachial plexus. Ethics approval was received from the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) at Western Sydney University (H12966). Students enrolled in two units (Appendicular Skeleton, Functional Anatomy) which run in different course streams, were given access to the model during their time in the anatomy lab. Students were then asked to provide feedback through a three point Likert scale questionnaire and two open-ended questions. 56 responses were eventually returned. 91% of the students agreed that the model was a valuable learning tool while 85% thought that is was an effective model in translating the information between theory and cadaver thus deepening their understanding. Qualitatively, the themes that emerged included the positive aspects of colour, structural arrangement, and kinaesthetic involvement, while some suggested a larger model. Our current brachial plexus model has assisted students in their learning of the formation of the brachial plexus, and has ultimately been effective in providing an understanding of structures and relationships within the nerve plexus thus allowing a deep learning approach and negating pure memorization.