Learning sinus anatomy using 3D paper models

With complex nasal sinus anatomy difficult to understand, we designed a three-dimensional (3D) cubic paper sinus model for ENT residents. Seven subjects then put the model together and took it apart. Their understanding of sinus anatomy was assessed in multiple-choice questionnaires before and after training. All subjects’ scores improved through training (167%, p=0.005)—particularly identification of anatomical parts in the axial plain schema (308%, p=0.007). These results show that 3D anatomical understanding improved dramatically. Training with the 3D cubic paper model thus proved cost-effective for ENT residents.