Cadaveric Temporal Bone Dissection: Is It Obsolete Today?

Abstract

Introduction Traditionally, surgical training in otology, is imparted by dissecting harvested human cadaveric temporal bones. However, maintenance of a cadaveric temporal bone laboratory is expensive and carries risk of exposure to infection. In recent times, other modalities of training are gaining ground and are likely to eventually replace cadaveric temporal bone dissection altogether. Objectives Other alternative methods of training are emerging. New technology like simulation and virtual reality as high-fidelity, safer alternatives, are making rapid strides as teaching tools. Other options are the use of animal temporal bones as teaching tools. The advantages of these are compared. Data Synthesis None of these modalities can replicate the innumerable anatomical variations which are a characteristic feature of the human temporal bone. A novice surgeon not only needs exposure to surgical anatomy and it's variations but also needs to develop hand-eye coordination skills to gain expertise. Conclusion Deliberate practice on human cadaveric temporal bones only, will confer both mastery in anatomy and surgical technique. The human cadaveric temporal bone is ideal simulator for training in otology.

Dissecting Cadaveric Middle Ear: Approaches

“…Surgical training as well as teaching methods has shown a technologically driven evolution [1]. Simulation and Synthetic replicas of temporal bones made of acrylic resins are used for trainee ENT Surgeons [2,3].…”

“…We as an Anatomist promote and encourage the training of our future surgeons by the use of cadaveric temporal bone dissection via different approaches. Learning by hands on training is considered ideal [1]. The temporal bone has a very complex configuration, containing vital structures known for their anatomical variations.…”

Morfología y Morfometría Comparada entre los Huesecillos Auditivos del Cerdo Común (Sus scrofa domestica) y el Humano (Homo sapiens sapiens)

“…El oído medio de los cerdos (Sus scrofa domestica) ha servido como un modelo clínico ideal para estudiar mé-todos de implantes en oído medio (Gurr et al, 2010;Hoffstetter et al, 2011;Pracy et al, 1998;Naik et al, 2014).…”

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“…Surgical training as well as teaching methods has shown a technologically driven evolution. 1 Simulation and Synthetic replicas of temporal bones made of acrylic resins are used for trainee ENT Surgeons. 2,3 But the traditional dissection on temporal bones remains simple, feasible, and convenient teaching tool despite technical advancements.…”

“…Learning by hands on training is considered ideal. 1 The temporal bone has a very complex configuration, containing vital structures known for their anatomical variations. Different types of pneumatisation of mastoid air cells, Korner's septum, facial nerve and ossicular anomalies, low lying dura and anteriorly placed sigmoid sinus and various other anomalies yet unnoticed.…”