Implementation of Cinematic Rendering in Otolaryngology Education

Background: The complex anatomy of the head and neck region challenges medical students. Cinematic rendering (CR) is an advanced visualization technique that enables three-dimensional (3D) representation of cross-sectional image data and is used in education at the Faculty of Medicine at Johannes Kepler University. Methods: For the first time, CR images were used to illustrate otolaryngology anatomy in medical education. The educational value of this approach was evaluated using a questionnaire assessing six core statements and dichotomous variables, including prior experience with CR and otolaryngology. Results: All six statements showed high levels of agreement based on mean evaluation scores. Evaluation results differed according to participants’ prior experience with CR. A strong correlation was exploratorily observed between prior experience with CR and improved spatial awareness of otolaryngology anatomy (ρ = 0.80, p < 0.05). Additionally, prior experience with CR correlated with improved understanding of complex disease processes (ρ = 0.76, p < 0.05) and enhanced general comprehension of the respective field (ρ = 0.74, p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that early integration of CR into otolaryngology education may support students’ perceived spatial understanding and facilitate comprehension of complex disease processes.