Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42103557›Full record

Observational studyThe Laryngoscope2026

Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills in Mastoidectomy Using 3D-Printed Temporal Bones.

Vanessa Helou, Lucien Khalil, Philip L Perez, Andrew A McCall, Noel Jabbour

Abstract readObservational Study
In one paragraph

Observational study in The Laryngoscope, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing 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

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Observational
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

5 authors.

Vanessa HelouDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4826-1659
Lucien KhalilDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Philip L PerezDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Andrew A McCallDepartment of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Noel JabbourDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveTo evaluate the use of three-dimensional (3D) printed temporal bone models combined with final product analysis as an objective structured assessment of technical skills tool to assess mastoidectomy performance across levels of otolaryngology residency training.

methodsIn this prospective observational study conducted at a single academic otolaryngology residency program, 32 residents performed 64 mastoidectomies on 3D-printed temporal bone models over a three-year period. Three expert faculty independently and anonymously evaluated each performance using a validated 14-item final product analysis checklist. Statistical analyses included linear regression, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for inter-rater reliability.

resultsMedian scores improved steadily with training level, from 35.0 in postgraduate year (PGY) 1 to 53.7 in PGY 5 out of 70. Linear regression demonstrated a significant positive association between both training level and duration in residency with performance. Senior residents (PGY 4-5, median score 54.0) significantly outperformed junior residents (PGY 1-3, median score 38.0; p = 0.012). Across all training levels, median scores improved from 43.2 on the first attempt to 52.5 on the third, though this difference was not statistically significant. Inter-rater reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.9210, p < 0.0001). A proficiency cutoff score of 45/70 was established using the contrasting groups method.

conclusionThe consistency of 3D-printed temporal bones judged by final product analysis allows for fair, objective, and reliable assessment for formative and summative evaluations. By longitudinally tracking skill improvement and differentiating performance across training levels, it supports the transition to competency-based surgical education. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Indexed as

Clinical CompetenceInternship and ResidencyMastoidectomyModels, AnatomicOtolaryngologyPrinting, Three-DimensionalTemporal BoneEducational MeasurementEducation, Medical, GraduateFemaleHumansMaleProspective StudiesReproducibility of Results3D‐printed temporal bonecompetency‐based medical educationmastoidectomyOSATSotolaryngology training

Identifiers

PMID42103557
PMCPMC13460529

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.