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Effect of 3D-Printed Models on Cadaveric Dissection in Temporal Bone Training
Andreas Frithioff1,2, Martin Frendø1,2,3, Kenneth Weiss4
1Copenhagen Hearing and Balance Center, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
OTO Open
|December 20, 2021
Summary
Training on 3D-printed temporal bones significantly improved mastoidectomy skills in residents compared to virtual reality simulation. These enhanced surgical skills transferred effectively to cadaveric dissections, supplementing traditional training methods.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
Background:
- Mastoidectomy is crucial for middle and inner ear diseases.
- Limited cadaver access challenges surgical training.
- Educational effectiveness of 3D-printed temporal bones for mastoidectomy is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if 3D-printed temporal bone training improves cadaveric mastoidectomy performance.
- To compare 3D-printed training with virtual reality (VR) simulation for mastoidectomy skills acquisition.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 18 otorhinolaryngology residents.
- Intervention group received 3 hours of 3D-printed temporal bone mastoidectomy training.
- Performance compared to a control group (66 residents) with time-equivalent VR training.
Main Results:
- The 3D-printed training group showed a 29% improvement in cadaveric dissection performance (P < .001).
- Skills acquired through 3D-printed models transferred to cadaveric performance.
- Performance levels were modest (~50% of maximum score) across modalities.
Conclusions:
- Training on 3D-printed temporal bones enhances mastoidectomy skills.
- 3D-printed temporal bone training appears more effective than VR simulation.
- 3D-printed models serve as a valuable supplement to cadaver training for mastoidectomy.
