Three-Dimensional Printed Models for Lateral Skull Base Surgical Training: Anatomy and Simulation of the Transtemporal Approaches

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing holds great potential for lateral skull base training; however, studies evaluating the use of 3D printed models for simulating transtemporal approaches are lacking.

Objective: To develop and evaluate a 3D printed model that accurately represents the anatomical relationships, surgical corridor, and surgical working angles achieved with increasingly extensive temporal bone resection in lateral skull base approaches.

Methods: Cadaveric temporal bones underwent thin-slice computerized tomography scanning and key anatomical landmarks were segmented using 3D imaging software. Corresponding 3D printed temporal bone models were created and four stages of increasingly extensive transtemporal approaches were performed (40 total approaches). The surgical exposure and working corridor were analyzed quantitatively and measures of face, content, and construct validity in a cohort of 14 participants were assessed.

Results: Stereotactic measurements of the surgical angle of approach to the mid-clivus, residual bone angle, and 3D scanned infill volume demonstrated comparable changes in both the 3D temporal bone models and cadaveric specimens based on the increasing stages of transtemporal approaches (PANOVA < 0.003, 0.007, and 0.007, respectively), indicating accurate representation of the surgical corridor and working angles in the 3D printed models. Participant assessment revealed high face, content, and construct validity.

Conclusion: 3D printed temporal bone models highlighting key anatomical structures accurately simulated four sequential stages of transtemporal approaches with high face, content, and construct validity. This strategy may provide a useful educational resource for temporal bone anatomy and training in lateral skull base approaches.