Three-dimensional printing model improves morphological understanding in acetabular fracture learning: A multicenter, randomized, controlled study

PLoS One. 2018 Jan 17;13(1):e0191328. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191328. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Conventional education results in unsatisfactory morphological understanding of acetabular fractures due to lack of three-dimensional (3D) details and tactile feedback of real fractures. Virtual reality (VR) and 3D printing (3DP) techniques are widely applied in teaching. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of physical model (PM), VR and 3DP models in education of morphological understanding of acetabular fractures. 141 students were invited to participate in this study. Participants were equally and randomly assigned to the PM, VR and 3DP learning groups. Three-level objective tests were conducted to evaluate learning, including identifying anatomical landmarks, describing fracture lines, identifying classification, and inferring fracture mechanism. Four subjective questions were asked to evaluate the usability and value of instructional materials. Generally, the 3DP group showed a clear advantage over the PM and VR groups in objective tests, while there was no significant difference between the PM and VR groups. 3DP was considered to be the most valuable learning tool for understanding acetabular fractures. The findings demonstrate that 3DP modelling of real fractures is an effective learning instrument that can be used to understand the morphology of acetabular fractures and promote subjective interest.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetabulum / injuries*
  • Acetabulum / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Education, Medical*
  • Fractures, Bone / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional*
  • Virtual Reality
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

An internal hospital grant (“The application of three-dimensional printing in orthopedics” grant from Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University) funded the purchase of the 3D reconstruction software and 3D printing system. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.