Effect of Case Variation on Mastoidectomy Training Using 3D-Printed Temporal Bones Models-A Prospective, Randomized Trial
In brief
Identical 3D-printed temporal bones prevent a 6-point skill drop seen with varied models
Novice trainees who practiced on the same 3D-printed mastoid model scored slightly lower during training (18.2 vs 20.6 points) but showed no performance decay after three months, whereas those using varied models lost about 6 points. The findings suggest early curricula should favor repeated practice on identical models to maximize skill retention.
- Journal
- Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Q1)
- Published
- 3 August 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Adam Omari, Andreas Frithioff, Anders Nøhr, Mads S Sørensen, Steven A W Andersen
- PMID
- 42545813
- DOI
- 10.1002/ohn.70358
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Otorhinolaryngology (top studies of the week, 11 October 2026): Variable 3D models improve mastoidectomy skill acquisition
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of repeated training with anatomically varied versus identical 3D-printed models on skill acquisition, cognitive load, and skill retention in novice mastoidectomy trainees. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled, educational trial conducted April to September 2024 including a 3-month retention test. SETTING: Simulation center at a single academic teaching hospital. METHODS: Twenty-four novice medical students were randomized 1:1 into 2 groups: The Identical Models (IM) group practiced repeated procedures on identical 3D-printed temporal bone models (control) and the Variable Model (VM) group practiced on a varied selection of models (intervention). Trainees completed 10 anatomical mastoidectomy procedures with posterior tympanotomy followed by 2 retention test procedures after 3-months of nonpractice. The primary outcome was performance assessed with 25-point modified Welling Scale. The secondary outcome was cognitive load estimated by relative reaction time measured on a secondary task. RESULTS: At end-of-training, the VM group scored 20.6 points (95% CI [19.2-22.0]), outperforming the IM group who scored an average of 18.2 points (95% CI [16.7-19.6], P = .02). At 3‑month retention testing, the VM group's scores decayed by a mean of 5.6 points on the repeated model (95% CI [-7.2 to-4.0], P < .001) and of 3.7 points when introduced to a new model (95% CI [-5.2 to-2.1], P < .001). The IM group showed no decay thereby demonstrating better skill retention which aligned with reduced relative reaction time (cognitive load) during training. CONCLUSIONS: Educators can optimize mastoidectomy skills acquisition and retention by instructional design that prioritize repeated practice on anatomically identical models until basic skills have been acquired.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.