Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41588367›Full record

Trial reportBMC medical education2026

Evaluating a problem-based learning model integrated with 3D anatomy software and software-assisted annotation in undergraduate spinal surgery education: a randomized controlled trial.

Wenbo Li, Ziyao Ding, Shuo Feng, Wenkang Xu, Haixu Qi, Qirui Zhu, Bingxu Xiao, Shaoyu Zhu, Maji Sun, Feng Yuan

Abstract readRandomized Controlled Trial
In one paragraph

Trial report in BMC medical education, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
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

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

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

10 authors.

Wenbo Li *Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China.
Ziyao Ding *Department of Emergency Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, 222061, China.
Shuo Feng *Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China.
Wenkang XuDepartment of Orthopedics, Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China.
Haixu QiXuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China.
Qirui ZhuXuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China.
Bingxu XiaoXuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China.
Shaoyu ZhuXuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China.
Maji SunXuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China. 376333460@qq.com.
Feng YuanXuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China. xzmuyf@163.com.

Funding

Construction Project of High Level Hospital of Jiangsu Province GSPJS202515Paired Assistance Scientific Research Project by The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University FXJDBF2024204Special Project on New Medical Technologies for the Construction of High-level Hospitals of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University GSPJS202403
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundTraditional lecture-based learning (LBL) faces limitations in teaching complex spinal anatomy and surgical procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model integrated with three-dimensional (3D) anatomy software and software-assisted annotation in spinal surgery education.

methodsA randomized controlled trial included 120 fifth-year clinical medicine undergraduates, starting in August 2024. Participants were divided into an experimental group (n = 60, receiving 3D + PBL + annotation-assisted teaching) and a control group (n = 60, receiving traditional LBL). Outcomes were assessed via written tests (objective/subjective questions) and standardized questionnaires evaluating knowledge mastery, learning motivation, academic atmosphere, teacher-student interaction, and knowledge retention.

resultsThe experimental group scored significantly higher on subjective questions (case analysis) than the control group (39.33 ± 5.38 vs. 32.08 ± 4.79, P < 0.001). Questionnaire results indicated that the experimental group reported significantly higher self-rated mastery in spinal endoscopic procedures, anatomy, Michigan State University (MSU) classification of lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and differential diagnosis (all P < 0.05). In addition, students in the experimental group expressed greater satisfaction with learning motivation, academic atmosphere, teacher–student interaction, and knowledge retention (all P < 0.05).

conclusionsIntegrating 3D anatomy visualization, software-assisted annotation, and PBL significantly enhances clinical reasoning, spatial understanding, and student engagement in spinal surgery education. This multimodal approach addresses the limitations of traditional methods and is recommended for broader application in orthopedic training.

trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR2400082568. Registered on 01 April 2024.

Indexed as

AnatomyEducation, Medical, UndergraduateImaging, Three-DimensionalProblem-Based LearningSoftwareSpineAdultEducational MeasurementFemaleHumansMale3D anatomy softwareProblem-Based learningSoftware-Assisted annotationSpinal surgery education

Identifiers

PMID41588367
PMCPMC12914989

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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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.