Improving Patient Education of Facial Fractures Using 3‐Dimensional Computed Tomography

Abstract

Objective Advances in 3-dimensional modeling have revolutionized presurgical planning for maxillofacial reconstruction, yet little is known about how this technology may affect patient education. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of 2-dimensional computed tomography versus 3-dimensional computed tomography for patient education in maxillofacial reconstruction. Study Design Crossover study. Setting General otolaryngology outpatients from a tertiary referral center were recruited. Methods A single computed tomography data set of a zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture was used to generate 2 educational video tutorials: one in a 2-dimensional format and one in a 3-dimensional format. The tutorials were embedded into the QualtricsXM platform. Participants were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group 1 viewed the 2-dimensional tutorial, took a self-assessment survey, took an information recall survey, viewed the 3-dimensional tutorial, and finally took a tutorial comparison survey. Group 2 followed the same sequence but viewed the 3-dimensional tutorial followed by the 2-dimensional tutorial. Results Group 2 participants (viewing the 3-dimensional tutorial first) scored better on the self-assessment survey than their counterparts in group 1 did ( P = .023). Group 2 also scored better on the recall survey ( P = .042). Of all participants, 61% preferred the 3-dimensional tutorial, and 31% preferred the use of both tutorials together in the comparison survey. Conclusions Three-dimensional patient educational tutorial regarding a zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture resulted in better knowledge retention and was preferred over the 2-dimensional format.

A comparative analysis of the CP and CG using 2D and 3D visualisation approaches

“…Recent medical literature shows a significant increase in the use of 3D imaging as a diagnostic tool in many clinical cases, including facial fractures (de Carvalho et al 2021 , Wickwire et al 2022 ), naso-orbital-ethmoid fractures (Onisor 2022 ), cervical fractures (Ren et al 2021 ) and orbital blowout fractures (Jansen et al 2018 ). Researchers have also used this technology to conduct virtual surgery on the scaphoid bone (Faudot et al 2021 ) while other studies have used it to scan the peri-orbital region for a very high clinical accuracy (Hollander et al 2021 ).…”