Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40198368›Full record

ArticleClinical oral investigations2025

Evaluation of a 3D printed training model with realistic spatial-anatomical conditions for head and neck microsurgery.

Manuel Olmos, Joy Backhaus, Rainer Lutz, Christopher-Phillip Nobis, Sarah Koenig, Marco Kesting, Manuel Weber

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Clinical oral investigations, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

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No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Manuel OlmosDepartment of Oral and Cranio- Maxillofacial Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
Joy BackhausInstitute of Medical Teaching and Medical Education Research, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Rainer LutzDepartment of Oral and Cranio- Maxillofacial Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
Christopher-Phillip NobisDepartment of Oral and Cranio- Maxillofacial Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
Sarah KoenigInstitute of Medical Teaching and Medical Education Research, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Marco KestingDepartment of Oral and Cranio- Maxillofacial Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
Manuel WeberDepartment of Oral and Cranio- Maxillofacial Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany. manuel.weber@uk-erlangen.de.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesAlthough existing microsurgical models provide a high degree of realism in tissue properties, they often neglect the complex and constrained spatial-anatomical conditions typical of head and neck surgery. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Head and Neck Realistic Anatomical Condition Experience (RACE) model in enhancing microsurgical education.

methodsUsing a microsurgical competency assessment tool and self-assessment questionnaires, the head and neck RACE model was evaluated through application in two student courses (10 participants) and one resident course (5 participants). In both groups, first the conventional chicken thigh model and then the RACE model were applied. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Welch's statistics to assess differences between the groups.

resultsIn pregraduate courses, the transition from the conventional chicken thigh model to the RACE model initially led to a decline across all eight microsurgical performance parameters (Q1.1-Q4.2). However, after an additional day of training with the RACE model, all parameters-except tissue-preserving technique (Q1.2) - returned to or significantly exceeded baseline levels (Q1.2 p = 0.373, Q1.3 p = 0.003, Q2.1 p < 0.001, Q2.2 p = 0.022, Q2.3 p = 0.008, Q3.1 = 0.014, Q4.1 p = 0.036, Q4.2 p = 0.002). Conversely, residents showed immediate improvement in all parameters, except for suture distance to the vessel's margin, upon switching to the RACE model.

conclusionsHead and neck RACE models provide a challenging and practical addition to microsurgery teaching. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The positive impact on learning outcomes in this area supports the development of RACE models in other areas of microsurgical and general medical training, and therefore the education of students and clinical practitioners.

Indexed as

HeadMicrosurgeryModels, AnatomicNeckPrinting, Three-DimensionalClinical CompetenceEducational MeasurementHumansInternship and ResidencySurveys and Questionnaires3DDentistryHead and neck surgeryMicrosurgerySimulationTeaching model

Identifiers

PMID40198368
PMCPMC11978532

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.