Novel Barium-Enhanced 3-Dimensional-Printed Spine Model for Pedicle Screw Training: A Cost-Effective Solution and Educational Validation

The barium-enhanced 3D-printed spine model ($1.61/session) provides a highly cost-effective training tool for novice residents, demonstrating significant improvements in surgical efficiency. Although accuracy measures showed promising trends, more extensive studies may be needed to establish definitive improvements in placement precision. The model's radiopacity allows for realistic fluoroscopic imaging, bridging the gap between basic models and more expensive alternatives, which is particularly valuable in resource-limited settings.