From bones to bytes: Do manipulable 3D models have added value in osteology education compared to static images?

The research results are counter-intuitive; especially because no significant differences were found in the physical-model-based posttest in students who studied with the manipulable model. Explaining the results builds on differences in anatomical models requiring less or more active manipulation to process spatial information. The pelvic bone manipulable model, and by extension osteology models, might be insufficiently complex to provide added value compared to static images. Moreover, the posttest modality should be chosen with care since spatial ability rather than anatomy knowledge may be measured.