Innovative 3D-Printed Simulation for Nasal Osteotomy Training: Bridging Theory and Practice
B-ENT, cilt.21, sa.1, ss.13-18, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 21 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.5152/b-ent.2025.241619
- Dergi Adı: B-ENT
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.13-18
- Anahtar Kelimeler: 3D printer, advanced surgical education, nasal osteotomy, surgical residency training, undergraduate medical education
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Surgical simulation models enhance both technical skills and confidence, offering an effective introduction for medical students and surgical residents in facial aesthetics and otolaryngology. This study presents a cost-effective, partially reusable 3D-printed nasal osteotomy tool, thus performing multiple osteotomies at minimal expense. The primary objective is to provide a practical platform for building competence in nasal osteotomy before operating on live patients. Methods: Thirty medical students with no prior nasal osteotomy experience were enrolled in this prospective observational study. They received theoretical instruction on nasal osteotomy, followed by hands-on training with a 3D-printed face model. Participants performed osteotomies, then completed pre- and post-training surveys assessing improvements in practical skills. Statistical analysis of these surveys was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Within the study’s scope, a cohort of 30 medical students underwent assessment. The pretest involved 3 questions, while the posttest included 5 questions. Statistical analysis of the results revealed a statistically significant difference between the measurement scores obtained in the pretest and posttest. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the 3D-printed nasal osteotomy simulator serves as a valuable introductory platform for novices and an adaptable tool for advanced trainees. By offering a safe, cost-effective, and partially reusable model, this approach may help accelerate the learning curve, reduce procedure-related risks, and increase confidence in facial aesthetic surgery. These outcomes may also foster interest in otolaryngology among early trainees, addressing a gap in surgical education.