title: An Innovative 3-dimensional Model of the Epitympanum for Teaching of Middle Ear Anatomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To facilitate teaching of the anatomy of the epitympanum, we developed and evaluated the effectiveness of an interactive 3-dimensional (3D) computer model that can be viewed from all angles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaire-based prospective randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Undergraduate medical education program.
  
  
  METHODS
  The model was created using Google Sketchup, a 3D modeling software. We recruited 72 graduating medical students and randomized them into 2 groups. One group was given the 3D model and reading materials on the epitympanic anatomy (3D group), while the other group relied on reading material and pictures (2-dimensional [2D] group). A questionnaire and anatomy quiz assessed the utility of the 3D model in learning the anatomy of the epitympanum.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of the participants was 22 years. There were no statistically significant differences in demographics and previous experience with 3D models. The 3D group was significantly more confident in its ability to identify structures of the epitympanum on pictures and computed tomography scans when compared to the 2D group. Most participants were in favor of the model as a useful learning tool and preferred to use it with an instructor. In the anatomy quiz, the 3D group fared significantly better, achieving a mean score of 65.1% compared to 32.4% in the 2D group (P < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 3D teaching model of the epitympanum is efficacious in short-term recall. By allowing the learner to visualize relations of the epitympanum from all directions, the model aids in appreciation of anatomy and identifications of structures of this region.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National University Health System, Singapore ngchewlip@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Chew Lip
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.affiliation: National University Health System, Singapore.
authors.forename: Xuandao
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.
authors.forename: Shuo Chian Jeremy
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Chee
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, National University Health System, Singapore.
authors.forename: Raymond Yeow Seng
authors.initials: RY
authors.lastname: Ngo
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013337:Students, Medical; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: 3-dimensional model; epitympanum; medical education; middle ear