Abstract: Objective To evaluate the role of the case-based learning(CBL)teaching with the three-dimensional(3D)printing model used in the orthopaedic clinical teaching. Methods This study explored the result of two different teaching in the orthopaedic education. The questionnaire of teaching effectiveness and test scores after teaching were done in the students, who were trained by CBL teaching with 3D printing model and bedside teaching respectively. Results Students taught by CBL teaching with 3D printing model could get more scores in the teaching attraction, the degree of grasping knowledge, the skill of the clinical analysis, the skill of clinical operation and the skill of clinical communication compared with the bedside teaching(P<0.05). Students taught by CBL teaching with 3D printing model could get more scores of the clinical skills, including the inquiry of history of patients and physical examination, the analysis of radiographic information, the classification of fracture, the diagnosis and the strategy of treatment compared with the bedside teaching(P<0.05). Conclusion CBL teaching with 3D printing model can stimulate the students' interest in learning and increase their general clinical skills. It is of benefit for students to grasp the knowledge of orthopaedic surgery precisely and extensively.

Key words: case-based learning teaching, 3-dimensional printing technology, orthopaedics, education