Abstract: Objective To demonstrate the advantages of 3D printing as a teaching tool in total knee arthroplasty and the effectiveness of improving the understanding on anatomy and operative skills of young trainee surgeons. Methods 3D printing in TKA provides 3D printing models which could assisted pre-operative training of design and provided surgical rehearsals, 3D printing cutting block which could guided intra-operative osteotomy, and 3D printing software which could reviewed the patient-specific implants results. Results The 3D printing model can show the real anatomical structure to young trainee surgeons more intuitively, and the surgical rehearsal on the model provide the opportunities to operate real cases for the trainees. With the intra-operative usage of cutting block, young trainee surgeons are going to have exercise whilst ensuring there is no detriment to patient safety. At last, 3D printing software will help young trainee surgeons understand the complex cases and the patient-specific implants, as well as used for distance education. Conclusions 3D printing has a valuable role as a training tool to improve young trainee surgeons skills for it have tremendous teaching advantages in total knee arthroplasty.

Key words: 3D printing, Model, Total knee arthroplasty, Clinical teaching