The research of 3D printing and computer modeling technology in orthopedic clinical teaching to eight-year program medical students

Objective This is a preliminary research of using 3D printing and computer modeling technology in orthopedic clinical teaching to eight-year program medical students. Methods Eighty students from eight-year program medical specialty of Huazhong University of Science and Technology were randomly divided into two groups. 3D printing and computer modeling technology was applied in the observation group. Traditional teaching method was applied in the control group. All students were examined with theory and standardized patients after class, and filled out questionnaires about teaching satisfaction. Results The average examination scores of theory and standardized patients were higher in observation group than in control group. More teaching satisfaction was got in observation group comparing to control group(P<0.05). Conclusions Using 3D printing and computer modeling technology in orthopedic teaching to eight-year program students can improve the teaching effect and satisfaction. It could be a potential choice in orthopedic teaching in future. Key words: 3D printing; Computer modeling; Orthopedics; Eight-year program medical education