title: Three-dimensional printing models improve understanding of spinal fracture--A randomized controlled study in China.
abstract: Three-dimensional printing (3 Dp) is being increasingly used in medical education. Although the use of such lifelike models is beneficial, well-powered, randomized studies supporting this statement are scarce. Two spinal fracture simulation models were generated by 3 Dp. Altogether, 120 medical students (54.2% females) were randomized into three teaching module groups [two-dimensional computed tomography images (CT), 3D, or 3 Dp] and asked to answer 10 key anatomical and 4 evaluative questions. Students in the 3 Dp or 3D group performed significantly better than those in the CT group, although males in the 3D group scored higher than females. Students in the 3 Dp group were the first to answer all questions, and there were no sex-related differences. Pleasure, assistance, effect, and confidence were more predominant in students in the 3 Dp group than in those in the 3D and CT groups. This randomized study revealed that the 3 Dp model markedly improved the identification of complex spinal fracture anatomy by medical students and was equally appreciated and comprehended by both sexes. Therefore, the lifelike fracture model made by 3 Dp technology should be used as a means of premedical education.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
authors.forename: Zhenzhu
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
authors.forename: Zefu
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
authors.forename: Ruiyu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
authors.forename: Meng
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
authors.forename: Jianmin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
authors.forename: Yongliang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
authors.forename: Dehua
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sui
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
authors.forename: Wensheng
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China.
authors.forename: Zheng
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D002681:China; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D011897:Random Allocation; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed