Are 3D-printed anatomical models of the ear effective for teaching anatomy? A comparative pilot study versus
Eléonore Brumpt1,2,3, Eugénie Bertin4,5, Xavier Gabrion6
1Département d'Anatomie, University Franche-Comté, UFRSanté, 19 Rue Ambroise-Paré CS 71806, 25000, Besançon, France. ebrumpt@chu-besancon.fr.
Purpose:
Despite the combination of chalkboard lectures and cadaveric models, the ear remains a complex anatomical structure that is difficult for medical students to grasp. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of a 3D-printed ear model for educating undergraduate medical students by comparing it with a conventional cadaveric model.
Methods:
Models of the ear comprising the outer ear, tympanic membrane, ossicles and inner ear were modeled and then 3D-printed at 6:1 and 10:1 scales based on cadaveric dissection and CT, cone-beam CT and micro/nano CT scans. Cadaveric models included two partially dissected dry temporal bones and ossicles. Twenty-four 3rd year medical students were given separate access to cadaveric models (n = 12) or 3D-printed models (n = 12). A pre-test and two post-tests were carried out to assess knowledge (n = 24). A satisfaction questionnaire focusing solely on the 3D-printed model, comprising 17 items assessed on a 5-point Likert scale, was completed by all study participants. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire comprising four items (realism, color, quality and satisfaction with the 3D-printed ear model) was given to three expert anatomy Professors.
Results:
The test scores on the first post-test were higher for the students who had used the 3D-printed models (p < 0.05). Overall satisfaction among the students and the experts was very high, averaging 4.7 on a 5-point Likert-type satisfaction scale.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the overall pedagogical value of a 3D-printed model for learning ear anatomy.
