Application of a hybrid virtual-physical teaching model integrating mixed reality and 3D printing in clinical joint orthopedic education

ObjectiveThe diagnosis and treatment of arthropathic orthopaedic conditions are inherently linked to anatomical structures, necessitating strong spatial visualization abilities in students. Providing intuitively accessible methods for students to master specialized knowledge presents a formidable ch...

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Main Authors: Honglin Wang, Aoshuang Xu, Wei Hua, Zhewei Ye, Lin Lu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Surgery
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2025.1638619/full
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author Honglin Wang
Aoshuang Xu
Wei Hua
Zhewei Ye
Lin Lu
author_facet Honglin Wang
Aoshuang Xu
Wei Hua
Zhewei Ye
Lin Lu
author_sort Honglin Wang
collection DOAJ
description ObjectiveThe diagnosis and treatment of arthropathic orthopaedic conditions are inherently linked to anatomical structures, necessitating strong spatial visualization abilities in students. Providing intuitively accessible methods for students to master specialized knowledge presents a formidable challenge for educators. This study aims to evaluate the pedagogical value of integrating 3D-printed model with mixed reality (MR) technology in clinical orthopaedic surgery education.MethodsThirty-six senior clinical medical undergraduates were randomized into two groups. The experimental group underwent training using the combined 3D- printed model and mixed reality (MR) technology, while the control group received traditional instruction. Learning outcomes were evaluated through standardized Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) assessments and questionnaires. Correlation analysis was conducted between total OSCE scores and questionnaire scores.ResultsThe experimental group achieved significantly higher OSCE scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Questionnaire analysis indicated that a majority of students in the experimental group perceived the integrated 3D printing and mixed reality (MR) teaching approach as innovative. They also reported significant improvements in anatomical comprehension, interest stimulation, teacher-student interaction, knowledge retention, learning efficiency, and practical skills (p < 0.05). Furthermore, OSCE total scores demonstrated strong positive correlations with all questionnaire subdomains (r > 0.8, p < 0.001). The strongest correlation was observed between learning efficiency and OSCE total scores (r = 0.918).ConclusionIntegrating 3D-printed model and MR technology into orthopedic joint surgery clinical teaching significantly boosts student performance, learning efficiency, and overall teaching quality, demonstrating strong potential for wider application.
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spelling doaj-art-f4d17cfb6c6948008a7facb6944984e22025-08-20T05:32:59ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Surgery2296-875X2025-08-011210.3389/fsurg.2025.16386191638619Application of a hybrid virtual-physical teaching model integrating mixed reality and 3D printing in clinical joint orthopedic educationHonglin Wang0Aoshuang Xu1Wei Hua2Zhewei Ye3Lin Lu4Department of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, ChinaInstitute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, ChinaDepartment of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, ChinaDepartment of Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, ChinaDepartment of Orthopedics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, ChinaObjectiveThe diagnosis and treatment of arthropathic orthopaedic conditions are inherently linked to anatomical structures, necessitating strong spatial visualization abilities in students. Providing intuitively accessible methods for students to master specialized knowledge presents a formidable challenge for educators. This study aims to evaluate the pedagogical value of integrating 3D-printed model with mixed reality (MR) technology in clinical orthopaedic surgery education.MethodsThirty-six senior clinical medical undergraduates were randomized into two groups. The experimental group underwent training using the combined 3D- printed model and mixed reality (MR) technology, while the control group received traditional instruction. Learning outcomes were evaluated through standardized Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) assessments and questionnaires. Correlation analysis was conducted between total OSCE scores and questionnaire scores.ResultsThe experimental group achieved significantly higher OSCE scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Questionnaire analysis indicated that a majority of students in the experimental group perceived the integrated 3D printing and mixed reality (MR) teaching approach as innovative. They also reported significant improvements in anatomical comprehension, interest stimulation, teacher-student interaction, knowledge retention, learning efficiency, and practical skills (p < 0.05). Furthermore, OSCE total scores demonstrated strong positive correlations with all questionnaire subdomains (r > 0.8, p < 0.001). The strongest correlation was observed between learning efficiency and OSCE total scores (r = 0.918).ConclusionIntegrating 3D-printed model and MR technology into orthopedic joint surgery clinical teaching significantly boosts student performance, learning efficiency, and overall teaching quality, demonstrating strong potential for wider application.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2025.1638619/fullmixed reality (MR)3D-printed modelteaching modejoint surgery educationvirtual-physical integrationmedical undergraduates
spellingShingle Honglin Wang
Aoshuang Xu
Wei Hua
Zhewei Ye
Lin Lu
Application of a hybrid virtual-physical teaching model integrating mixed reality and 3D printing in clinical joint orthopedic education
Frontiers in Surgery
mixed reality (MR)
3D-printed model
teaching mode
joint surgery education
virtual-physical integration
medical undergraduates
title Application of a hybrid virtual-physical teaching model integrating mixed reality and 3D printing in clinical joint orthopedic education
title_full Application of a hybrid virtual-physical teaching model integrating mixed reality and 3D printing in clinical joint orthopedic education
title_fullStr Application of a hybrid virtual-physical teaching model integrating mixed reality and 3D printing in clinical joint orthopedic education
title_full_unstemmed Application of a hybrid virtual-physical teaching model integrating mixed reality and 3D printing in clinical joint orthopedic education
title_short Application of a hybrid virtual-physical teaching model integrating mixed reality and 3D printing in clinical joint orthopedic education
title_sort application of a hybrid virtual physical teaching model integrating mixed reality and 3d printing in clinical joint orthopedic education
topic mixed reality (MR)
3D-printed model
teaching mode
joint surgery education
virtual-physical integration
medical undergraduates
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2025.1638619/full
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