Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2023 Jun 22;23(1):467.
doi: 10.1186/s12909-023-04436-5.

Using three-dimensional printed models for trainee orbital fracture education

Martina Rama  1 , Lauren Schlegel  1 , Douglas Wisner  2 , Robert Pugliese  3 , Sathyadeepak Ramesh  4 , Robert Penne  4 , Alison Watson  5
Affiliations

Using three-dimensional printed models for trainee orbital fracture education

Martina Rama et al. BMC Med Educ. .

Abstract

Background: Three-dimensional printing is an underutilized technology in ophthalmology training; its use must be explored in complex educational scenarios. This study described a novel approach to trainee education of orbital fracture repair utilizing three-dimensional (3D) printed models as a teaching tool.

Methods: Ophthalmology residents and oculoplastic fellows from multiple training institutions underwent an educational session on orbital fractures, learning through four different models. Participants analyzed orbital fractures through computerized tomography (CT) imaging alone and then utilizing CT imaging with the aid of a 3D printed model. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing their understanding of the fracture pattern and surgical approach. After the training, participants were surveyed on the impact of the educational session. Components of the training were rated by participants on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results: A statistically significant difference (p < .05) was found in participant confidence conceptualizing the anatomic boundaries of the fracture and planning the orbital fracture approach for repair of three out of four models on pre-test post-test analysis. On exit questionnaire, 84.3% of participants thought the models were a useful tool for surgical planning, 94.8% of participants thought the models were a useful tool for conceptualizing the anatomic boundaries of the fracture, 94.8% of participants thought the models were a useful tool for orbital fracture training, and 89.5% of participants thought the exercise was helpful.

Conclusion: This study supports the value of 3D printed models of orbital fractures as an effective tool for ophthalmology trainee education to improve understanding and visualization of complex anatomical space and pathology. Given the limited opportunities trainees may have for hands-on orbital fracture practice, 3D printed models provide an accessible way to enhance training.

Keywords: 3D printing; Education; Ophthalmology; Ophthalmology training; Orbital fracture.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
3D printed orbital fracture models and corresponding 3D digital images. The models were printed using white polylactic acid (PLA) plastic filament on an Ultimaker S5 3D printer. Red arrows point to the orbital fracture defect as highlighted in both the printed and zoomed digital model
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Hu A, Wilson T, Ladak H, Haase P, Fung K. Three-dimensional educational computer model of the larynx: voicing a new direction. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009;135(7):677–81. doi: 10.1001/archoto.2009.68. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Knobe M, Carow JB, Ruesseler M, et al. Arthroscopy or ultrasound in undergraduate anatomy education: a randomized cross-over controlled trial. BMC Med Educ. 2012;12:85. doi: 10.1186/1472-6920-12-85. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Graffeo CS, Perry A, Carlstrom LP, et al. 3D Printing for Complex cranial surgery education: technical overview and preliminary Validation Study. J Neurol Surg Part B Skull Base. Published online February. 2021;22:–0040. 10.1055/s-0040-1722719. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Sommer AC, Blumenthal EZ. Implementations of 3D printing in ophthalmology. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol Albrecht Von Graefes Arch Klin Exp Ophthalmol. 2019;257(9):1815–22. doi: 10.1007/s00417-019-04312-3. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Trelease RB. From chalkboard, slides, and paper to e-learning: how computing technologies have transformed anatomical sciences education. Anat Sci Educ. 2016;9(6):583–602. doi: 10.1002/ase.1620. - DOI - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources