What Is the Role of 3D Printing in Undergraduate Anatomy Education? A Scoping Review of Current Literature and Recommendations.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed models have become increasingly popular as an alternative to the traditional method of cadaveric dissection in teaching anatomy. It has the advantage of lower cost and higher reproducibility. It has been widely used in the postgraduate setting, but its efficacy in undergraduate education has not been studied extensively. A scoping review of the literature was undertaken systematically to investigate the role of 3D printing in the anatomy education of undergraduate medical students. A systematic literature search of databases (EMBASE, Pubmed, Educational Resources Information Center, British Education Index and Australian Education Index) was undertaken using relevant keywords. The search yielded 83 results, which were narrowed down to 13 articles after application of exclusion criteria. The literature supported that 3D printing was a useful tool for studying normal, uncommon and pathological anatomy. However, limitations include low fidelity in replicating the colour and textural physical properties of soft tissues and the trade-off between cost and fidelity. It is believed that 3D printing would increasingly be integrated into undergraduate anatomy education, and it might also potentially be used in the assessment of anatomical knowledge and clinical skills training. The establishment of an online 3D model database may facilitate educators to easily manufacture models for specific educational purposes.