Does a Video-Based and 3D Animation Hybrid Learning System Improve Teaching Outcomes in Orthopedic Surgery? A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the instructional efficacy of a 3D Surgical Training System (3DSTS), which combines real surgical footage with high-definition 3D animations, against conventional surgical videos and textbooks in the context of orthopedic proximal humerus fracture surgeries. DESIGN: Before the experiment, 89 participants completed a pre-educational knowledge assessment. They were then randomized into 3 groups: the 3DSTS group (n = 30), the surgical video (SV) group (n = 29), and the textbook group (n = 30). After their respective teaching courses, all participants took a posteducational assessment and completed a perceived cognitive load test. The 3DSTS group also filled out a satisfaction survey. Once all assessments were finished, the SV and textbook groups were introduced to the 3DSTS course and subsequently completed a satisfaction survey. All statistical analyses were executed using IBM SPSS version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). For data fitting normal distribution, we employed one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) and Tukey HSD tests, whereas, for non-normally distributed data, we used Kruskal-Wallis H tests and Dunn's tests. The significance level for all tests was set at p < 0.05. SETTING: Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, P. R. China. PARTICIPANTS: About 89 doctors who undergoing standardized residents training. RESULT: The initial assessment scores among the three groups were comparable, showing no significant statistical difference. Post-education revealed a marked difference in the scores, with the 3DSTS group outperforming both the SV and textbook groups. Specifically, the 3DSTS group exhibited statistically greater improvement in areas such as procedural steps, and specialized surgical techniques compared to the SV and textbook groups. During the 3DSTS teaching process, participants reported the least perceived cognitive load and expressed strong satisfaction, highlighting that the instructional materials are well-prepared, and considering this teaching method superior and more innovative than previous courses they had encountered. CONCLUSION: The 3D Surgical Training System, integrating real videos with 3D animations, significantly enhances orthopedic surgery education over conventional methods, providing improved comprehension, lower cognitive load, and standardized learning outcomes. Its efficacy and high participant satisfaction underscore its potential for broader adoption in surgical disciplines. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials. gov ID: ChiCTR2300074730. ( J Surg Ed 81:1305-1319.- 1319. (c) 2024 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Association of Program Directors in Surgery.)