Modeling Medical Education: The Impact of Three-Dimensional Printed Models on Medical Student Education in Plastic Surgery

Purpose: Trainee exposure to craniofacial pathology can be limited due to rare disease presentation, revealing a need for tools that assist in visualizing complex 3D pathologic anatomy. 3D-printed models show potential as a useful aid, allowing for physical manipulation and hands-on experience. This study investigates their educational value in teaching craniofacial pathology and surgical repair. Methods: Forty-four medical students randomly assigned to a control group or model group were given a PowerPoint presentation-based module on craniosynostosis and surgical repair. The model group was also provided with 3D-printed models of sagittal, metopic, and bicoronal synostosis, created using patient-specific preoperative computed tomography data. A survey using the Likert scale evaluated participants' learning experience. Pre- and postmodule scores on a 10-question multiple choice quiz were recorded. Results: The survey showed that students in the model group reported better understanding of the anatomy (4.86 +/- 0.15 versus 4.26 +/- 0.22;P = 0.0001) and visualization of the pathology (4.76 +/- 0.23 versus 4.26 +/- 0.25;P = 0.0064), gaining an improved understanding of surgical approach (4.38 +/- 0.37 versus 3.83 +/- 0.29;P = 0.0266), which was more effectively taught (4.24 +/- 0.33 versus 3.30 +/- 0.38;P = 0.0007) with the 3D-printed models. The mean pre- and post-module quiz scores between groups were similar. Conclusion: 3D-printed models demonstrated an improved learning experience for medical students as shown by survey. These findings suggest a potential use for 3D-printed models in medical education of craniofacial pathology and surgery.