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Published on: January 11, 2018
Review of temporal bone dissection teaching: how it was, is and will be
1Department of SpR ENT, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent, UK. georgea288@aol.com
Objective:
We aimed to review the history of anatomical dissection, and to examine how modern educational techniques will change the way temporal bone dissection is taught to otolaryngology trainees.
Method:
Review of the literature using Medline, Embase and PubMed database searches.
Results:
Temporal bone anatomy has traditionally been taught using cadaveric specimens. However, resources such as three-dimensional reconstructed models and 'virtual reality' temporal bone simulators have a place in educating the otolaryngology trainee.
Conclusion:
We should encourage the use of fresh frozen cadaveric temporal bone specimens for future otologists. Artificial three-dimensional models and virtual reality temporal bone simulators can be used to educate junior trainees, thus conserving the scarce resource of cadaveric bones.
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