Three-Dimensional Digital Reconstruction versus Cadaveric Dissection in Anatomy Education: A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59675/M413Keywords:
Cadaveric dissection, Three-dimensional (3D) digital reconstruction, Surgical anatomy education, Spatial cognition, 3D Slicer.Abstract
Cadaveric dissection had been the main teaching aid in anatomy, it gave students’ knowledge of the morphology of the human body, variability and relationships of the tissues. Learning the complex anatomy of cross-sections can still be difficult to master, however, as conventional dissection can make it difficult to maintain a spatial sense of deep anatomical structures, two-dimensional learning materials will take a great deal of mental visualization. Three-dimensional (3D) digital reconstruction has given rise to interactive patient-specific anatomical models that allow one to explore complicated configurations from a variety of viewpoints without changing their spatial relations.
This narrative review included an analysis of the role that 3D digital reconstructions can play in educational settings related to surgical anatomy as well as their value to educational methods in comparison with cadaveric dissection. Existing reports indicate that interactive, 3D visualization helps to improve spatial cognition and interpretation of cross-sectional imaging, has a beneficial effect on extraneous cognitive load and helps to maximize anatomical understanding, especially in anatomically challenging areas like the mediastinum, retroperitoneum and deep pelvis. The review also describes the process of image processing for the creation of individual 3D models obtained from Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) databases, using a popular open-source software package called 3D Slicer, and presents recent advances in artificial intelligence-driven segmentation, extended reality technologies and 3D printing.
The creation and use of digital reconstructions have some great teaching benefits; however it cannot give the same tactile feel, handling of tissues and understanding of variation that would be experienced during cadaver dissection. Current findings thus suggest a mixed teaching model combining cadaveric dissection with interactive 3D visualization to enhance the acquisition of anatomical knowledge, spatial sense and equip future surgical professionals with the knowledge needed in current clinical practices.
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