1A), including clear anatomical basicranial structures from the Department of Anatomy in Peking Union Medical College (PUMC). We selected a most intact cadaveric skull in color (Fig. Skull models based on three-dimensional printing technology To evaluate the learning efficiency with 3D printed models of skull, we conducted an RCT comparing 2D atlases, cadaveric skulls and 3D printed skulls.
We generated 3D skull models, with each piece of skull bone colored differently, using data collected from computed tomography (CT). However, no precise 3D printed skull models that focus on basicranial structures are available. Skull base models were used for endoscopic training 6, and education in temporal bone anatomy 16. Structure of skull is always one of the most complicated areas of anatomy. Additional RCTs are needed to confirm the role of 3D printing in medical education. Search in PubMed for “Randomized controlled trial” and “three-dimensional printing” showed 12 items, out of which only three randomized controlled trials (RCT) compared the learning efficiency of 3D-printed models with cadavers or atlas 13, 14, 15. However, assessment of 3D models varies significantly, and is mostly limited to subjective evaluation. High-quality models with efficiency equal to or better than cadavers, are promising tools in resolving challenges associated with ethics and hygiene associated with dissection. Educational models including bone 5, skull 6, lateral ventricles 7, kidney 8, liver 9, duodenum 10, heart 11, and cerebral aneurysm 12, have been constructed using 3D printing technology. Due to its precise reconstruction of intricate anatomical structures, there is an increasing use of 3D printing in medicine, ranging from basic anatomy to surgical practice and advanced research application. Hull in 1986, and has been extensively used worldwide over the past 30 years 4. Three-dimensional (3D) printing was first described by Charles W. Further, shortage of donors is another limitation associated with cadaveric dissection in some countries 2. However, cadaveric dissection has always been associated with ethical concerns 1, 2, difficulties and potential risks of preservation and disposal of specimens 3. Cadaveric dissection is an indispensable part of anatomy, and is superior to two-dimensional (2D) atlases in facilitating knowledge acquisition. It is one of the most complicated courses in medical curriculum due to the vast levels of knowledge needed and demands for spatial imagination. In this RCT, an inexpensive, precise and rapidly-produced skull model had advantages in assisting anatomy study, especially in structure recognition, compared with traditional education materials.Īnatomy is the basis of modern medicine. Scores involving theory test, however, showed no difference between the three groups.
In post-test, the 3D group was better than the other two groups in total score (cadaver: 29.5, 3D: 31.5, atlas: 27.75 p = 0.044) and scores of lab test (cadaver: 14, 3D: 16.5, atlas: 14.5 p = 0.049).
Pre-test scores showed no differences between the three groups. All students completed identical tests, which composed of a theory test and a lab test, before and after a lecture. Seventy-nine medical students, who never studied anatomy, were randomized into three groups by drawing lots, using 3D printed skulls, cadaveric skulls, and atlas, respectively, to study the anatomical structures in skull through an introductory lecture and small group discussions.
Essential anatomy 3 trial trial#
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to compare the learning efficiency of 3D printed skulls with that of cadaveric skulls and atlas. Colored skull models were produced by 3D printing technology. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.Three-dimensional (3D) printed models represent educational tools of high quality compared with traditional teaching aids. Spam protection has stopped this request.