The exploration of 3D printing technology applied in orthopedic clinical teaching

Abstract

Objective To observe the effects of applying 3D printing technology in orthopedic clinical teaching and evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of the technology. Methods According to the imaging data of patients, the 3D printing technology was used to provide an intuitive teaching model for clinical teaching in department of orthopedics. The 60 trainees were selected from 2015 Department of Orthopedics of Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, including 48 men and 12 women, who were randomly divided into 3D teaching group and traditional teaching group, each group has 30 trainees. 3D teaching group adopts model teaching, and traditional teaching group adopts traditional teaching method. Results The skeleton model made by 3D printing technology helps trainees to understand and master the imaging and the classific characteristics of fracture. It also helps them to have a basic understanding of surgical plans and skills in a short time. Conclusions The 3D printing technology is better than the traditional teaching model because it is intuitive and vivid. As a result, it has a good prospect and is worthy of application and promotion in the teaching of clinical department of orthopedics. Key words: 3D printing; Orthopedics; Resident training; Application