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The Effects of a Functional Three-dimensional (3D) Printed Knee Joint Simulator in Improving Anatomical Spatial Knowledge |
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| Authors: | Bohong Cai Kanagasuntheram Rajendran Boon Huat Bay Jieying Lee Ching-Chiuan Yen |
| Institution: | 1. Division of Industrial Design, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Keio-NUS CUTE Center, Smart Systems Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore;2. Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore;3. Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore Keio-NUS CUTE Center, Smart Systems Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore;4. Division of Industrial Design, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore |
| Abstract: | In recent decades, three-dimensional (3D) printing as an emerging technology, has been utilized for imparting human anatomy knowledge. However, most 3D printed models are rigid anatomical replicas that are unable to represent dynamic spatial relationships between different anatomical structures. In this study, the data obtained from a computed tomography (CT) scan of a normal knee joint were used to design and fabricate a functional knee joint simulator for anatomical education. Utility of the 3D printed simulator was evaluated in comparison with traditional didactic learning in first-year medical students (n = 35), so as to understand how the functional 3D simulator could assist in their learning of human anatomy. The outcome measure was a quiz comprising 11 multiple choice questions based on locking and unlocking of the knee joint. Students in the simulation group (mean score = 85.03%, ±SD 10.13%) performed significantly better than those in the didactic learning group, P < 0.05 (mean score = 70.71%, ±SD 15.13%), which was substantiated by large effect size, as shown by a Cohen’s d value of 1.14. In terms of learning outcome, female students who used 3D printed simulators as learning aids achieved greater improvement in their quiz scores as compared to male students in the same group. However, after correcting for the modality of instruction, the sex of the students did not have a significant influence on the learning outcome. This randomized study has demonstrated that the 3D printed simulator is beneficial for anatomical education and can help in enriching students’ learning experience. |
| Keywords: | gross anatomy education medical education undergraduate education 3D printing modeling and simulation interactive teaching spatial knowledge |