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Are 3D-printed anatomical models of the ear effective for teaching anatomy? A comparative pilot study versus cadaveric models

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

The authors sincerely thank those who donated their bodies to science so that anatomical research could be performed. Results from such research can potentially increase mankind's overall knowledge that can then improve patient care. Therefore, these donors and their families deserve our highest gratitude.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Département d’Anatomie, University Franche-Comté, UFRSanté, 19 Rue Ambroise-Paré CS 71806, 25000, Besançon, France

    Eléonore Brumpt, Eugénie Bertin & Laurent Tatu

  2. Radiologie, CHU Besançon, 25000, Besançon, France

    Eléonore Brumpt

  3. Laboratoire Nano MédecineImagerieThérapeutique, University Franche-Comté, EA 4662, 25000, Besançon, France

    Eléonore Brumpt & Aurélien Louvrier

  4. Chirurgie Maxillo-FacialeStomatologie et Odontologie Hospitalière, CHU Besançon, 25000, Besançon, France

    Eugénie Bertin & Aurélien Louvrier

  5. Département de Mécanique Appliquée, University Franche-Comté, FEMTO-ST, CNRS/UFC/ENSMM/UTBM, 25000, Besançon, France

    Xavier Gabrion

  6. Plateforme I3DM (Impression 3D Médicale), CHU Besançon, 25000, Besançon, France

    Camille Coussens & Aurélien Louvrier

  7. Neurologie, CHU Besançon, 25000, Besançon, France

    Laurent Tatu

  8. Laboratoire de Neurosciences Intégratives et Cliniques, University Franche-Comté, EA 481, 25000, Besançon, France

    Laurent Tatu

Authors
  1. Eléonore Brumpt
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  2. Eugénie Bertin
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  3. Xavier Gabrion
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  4. Camille Coussens
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  5. Laurent Tatu
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  6. Aurélien Louvrier
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by EB, AL, XG, CC and EB. The first draft of the manuscript was written by EB and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eléonore Brumpt.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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No ethical clearance was required as cadavers are used for research purpose.

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Brumpt, E., Bertin, E., Gabrion, X. et al. Are 3D-printed anatomical models of the ear effective for teaching anatomy? A comparative pilot study versus cadaveric models. Surg Radiol Anat 46, 103–115 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-023-03276-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-023-03276-8

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