Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2025
Three-Dimensional Printing of a Complex Aortic Anomaly
Published on: November 1, 2018
Three-Dimensional Printing Model Enhances Craniofacial Trauma Teaching by Improving Morphologic and Biomechanical
Romain Nicot1, Charles Druelle1, Emmanuel Chazard1
1From the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; INSERM U1008; CERIM ULR 2694-METRICS; Department of Neonatology; INSERM UMR 1167; Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, Health Economics, and Prevention; Lab CIREL, EA 4354; Department of Cardiology; and Forensic Taphonomy Unit; University of Lille.
Background:
Teaching about craniofacial traumas is challenging given the complexity of the craniofacial anatomy and the necessity for good spatial representation skills. To solve these problems, three-dimensional printing seems to be an appropriate educative material. In this study, the authors conducted a randomized controlled trial. The authors' main objective was to compare the performance of the undergraduate medical students in an examination based on the teaching support: three-dimensionally printed models versus two-dimensional pictures.
Methods:
All participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups using a random number table: the three-dimensionally-printed support group (three-dimensional group) or the two-dimensionally-displayed support group (two-dimensional group). All participants completed a multiple-choice question evaluation questionnaire on facial traumatology (first, a zygomatic bone fracture; then, a double mandible fracture). Sex and potential confounding factors were evaluated.
Results:
Four hundred thirty-two fifth-year undergraduate medical students were enrolled in this study. Two hundred six students were allocated to the three-dimensional group, and 226 were allocated to the two-dimensional group. The three-dimensionally printed model was considered to be a better teaching material compared with two-dimensional support. The global mean score was 2.36 in the three-dimensional group versus 1.99 in the two-dimensional group (p = 0.008). Regarding teaching of biomechanical aspects, three-dimensionally-printed models provide better understanding (p = 0.015). Participants in both groups exhibited similar previous student educational achievements and visuospatial skills.
Conclusions:
This prospective, randomized, controlled educational trial demonstrated that incorporation of three-dimensionally-printed models improves medical students' understanding. This trial reinforces previous studies highlighting academic benefits in using three-dimensionally-printed models mostly in the field of understanding complex structures.
