Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
Author Spotlight: Segmentation and VR for Advanced Neurovascular Interventions
Published on: April 5, 2024
Effects of anatomical variation on trainee performance in a virtual reality temporal bone surgery simulator
P Piromchai1, I Ioannou1, S Wijewickrema1
1Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology),University of Melbourne,Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital,Australia.
Objective:
To investigate the importance of anatomical variation in acquiring skills in virtual reality cochlear implant surgery.
Methods:
Eleven otolaryngology residents participated in this study. They were randomly allocated to practice cochlear implant surgery on the same specimen or on different specimens for four weeks. They were then tested on two new specimens, one standard and one challenging. Videos of their performance were de-identified and reviewed independently, by two blinded consultant otolaryngologists, using a validated assessment scale. The scores were compared between groups.
Results:
On the standard specimen, the round window preparation score was 2.7 ± 0.4 for the experimental group and 1.7 ± 0.6 for the control group (p = 0.01). On the challenging specimen, instrument handling and facial nerve preservation scores of the experimental group were 3.0 ± 0.4 and 3.5 ± 0.7 respectively, while the control group received scores of 2.1 ± 0.8 and 2.4 ± 0.9 respectively (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Training on temporal bones with differing anatomies is beneficial in the development of expertise.
