The effect of virtual reality on temporal bone anatomy evaluation and performance

Abstract

Purpose There is only limited data on the application of virtual reality (VR) for the evaluation of temporal bone anatomy. The aim of the present study was to compare the VR environment to traditional cross-sectional viewing of computed tomography images in a simulated preoperative planning setting in novice and expert surgeons. Methods A novice (n = 5) and an expert group (n = 5), based on their otosurgery experience, were created. The participants were asked to identify 24 anatomical landmarks, perform 11 distance measurements between surgically relevant anatomical structures and 10 fiducial markers on five cadaver temporal bones in both VR environment and cross-sectional viewings in PACS interface. The data on performance time and user-experience (i.e., subjective validation) were collected. Results The novice group made significantly more errors (p < 0.001) and with significantly longer performance time (p = 0.001) in cross-sectional viewing than the expert group. In the VR environment, there was no significant differences (errors and time) between the groups. The performance of novices improved faster in the VR. The novices showed significantly faster task performance (p = 0.003) and a trend towards fewer errors (p = 0.054) in VR compared to cross-sectional viewing. No such difference between the methods were observed in the expert group. The mean overall scores of user-experience were significantly higher for VR than cross-sectional viewing in both groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion In the VR environment, novices performed the anatomical evaluation of temporal bone faster and with fewer errors than in the traditional cross-sectional viewing, which supports its efficiency for the evaluation of complex anatomy.

The feasibility of virtual reality for anatomic training during temporal bone dissection course

“…The inadequate positioning of the HMD and eyeline (e.g., HMD straps were too loose) or possible eye disorders may have been the basis for these reports although the quality of HRCT image data in our VR setup was evaluated by experienced otosurgeons prior to the course. Despite these shortcomings, the participants positively evaluated VR training and planning during the course, which was in line with previous research (Timonen et al, 2021(Timonen et al, , 2020.…”

“…Unfortunately, interpretation of a radiological image or training in preoperative planning is not commonly implemented in trainee-level temporal bone dissection courses. Previous studies have shown that VR planning and simulation may offer a feasible method to enhance the student's understanding of the anatomy of the temporal bone and provide more effective training for novice surgeons and trainees (Al-Noury, 2012;Locketz et al, 2017;Timonen et al, 2021).…”

Determinants of Learning Anatomy in an Immersive Virtual Reality Environment — A Scoping Review

“…Qualitative and quantitative outcomes reported by included studies are listed according to the learning determinant category. Results from these studies are summarized in “Statistical results” if they are supported by statistical analysis, or “Non-statistical results” if they are not Possible learning determinants count, n (%) Qualitative outcome measures Quantitative outcome measures Statistical results Non-statistical results Student perceptions 212121 (84) - Usefulness or efficiency for anatomy learning [ 21 , 22 , 35 – 37 , 39 , 42 – 44 , 46 , 48 , 49 , 54 , 55 ] - Enjoyment [ 21 , 22 , 32 , 35 , 42 , 43 , 46 , 49 , 52 ] - Ease of use [ 22 , 32 , 35 , 39 , 42 – 44 , 46 ] - Motivation [ 32 , 45 , 48 , 55 ] - Instructional Materials Motivation Survey [ 48 ] - Engagement or interest [ 45 , 48 – 50 ] - Ease of understanding [ 22 , 32 , 45 , 51 , 52 ] - Value - Revised Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire [ 55 ] - Preferen...…”

“…- Usefulness or efficiency for anatomy learning [ 21 , 22 , 35 – 37 , 39 , 42 – 44 , 46 , 48 , 49 , 54 , 55 ]…”

“…- VR is more useful or efficient for anatomy learning than other modalities [ 44 , 48 , 49 , 54 , 55 ]…”