This study aimed to investigate the visual attention of genioplasty trainees using eye-tracking technology, with the goal of providing insights for optimizing genioplasty training strategies.

Trainees were recruited for the study, and their visual attention distribution was monitored with an eye-tracking device while they watched a genioplasty procedure video. The percentage of fixation durations dedicated to areas of interest (surgical objects, instruments manipulated by the primary surgeon, and instruments controlled by assistants) were analyzed for each phase of the procedure.

A total of 20 surgical trainees (8 males, 12 females; mean age, 27.8 years; range, 22–35 years) participated in the study. During the soft tissue reflection phase, trainees' percentage fixation durations on instruments controlled by the primary surgeon were higher than on surgical objects, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). The percentage fixation durations on instruments controlled by assistants were significantly lower than on those controlled by the primary surgeon or on surgical objects (p < 0.05). In the osteotomy, bone fixation, and suturing phases, the percentage fixation durations on surgical objects were highest, followed by instruments manipulated by the primary surgeon and those controlled by assistants, with significant differences (p < 0.05).

Surgical trainees need to invest significant cognitive effort in focusing on the instruments manipulated by the primary surgeon and the surgical objects during the soft tissue reflection phase, as well as on surgical objects during the osteotomy, fixation, and suturing phases. Emphasizing these elements during instruction can help trainees reduce their cognitive load and effectively master genioplasty techniques.