3D Printing of the Pediatric Sinuses: Defining the Frontal Outflow Tract and Sinonasal Pathology

To assess the utility of 3-dimensional printing for both trainee education in frontal sinus anatomy and preoperative surgical planning in complex sinonasal pathology.

A quasi-experimental pre/postsurvey study was performed at a tertiary care center pediatric rhinology clinic. Four otolaryngology residents and 1 pediatric attending at an academic otolaryngology program were included. Eleven 3D printed models of the pediatric sinuses were created from CT maxillofacial scans. Six models were used to define the frontal outflow pathway. Five additional 3D models were created for pre-surgical planning. The models were dissected in the lab to facilitate surgical planning, technique, and instrumentation selection. Pre- and post-survey evaluations of the training experience were completed by participants. Cost analysis data was collected from the home institution's 3D printing program.

Models were accurate to the actual CT scan that they were created from; however, the consistency of the 3D printed models was more firm than true anatomic specimens. Painting sinonasal pathology and the frontal outflow pathway in a distinct color was extremely helpful in identification. Participant post-simulation survey results showed that 60% of participants found the simulation moderately valuable and 40% found it valuable or very valuable as a training tool. A cost analysis was also performed with an average final production cost of $420.52 ± $239.52 per model.

3D printed models are a useful tool to study and plan for uncommon sinonasal pathology. They can also serve as a useful trainee tool for learning frontal sinus anatomy. This feasibility study shows that 3D sinus models are affordable and accurate in preserving and identifying important anatomical landmarks. The cost-effectiveness, reusability, and customization of these models support their potential for broader implementation in pediatric surgical training curriculum.