3D printed temporal bone as a tool for otologic surgery simulation

In this face validity study, we discuss the fabrication and utility of an affordable, computed tomography (CT)-based, anatomy-accurate, 3-dimensional (3D) printed temporal bone models for junior otolaryngology resident training.

After IRB exemption, patient CT scans were anonymized and downloaded as Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files to prepare for conversion. These files were converted to stereolithography format for 3D printing. Important soft tissue structures were identified and labeled to be printed in a separate color than bone. Models were printed using a desktop 3D printer (Ultimaker 3 Extended, Ultimaker BV, Netherlands) and polylactic acid (PLA) filament. 10 junior residents with no previous drilling experience participated in the study. Each resident was asked to drill a simple mastoidectomy on both a cadaveric and 3D printed temporal bone. Following their experience, they were asked to complete a Likert questionnaire.

The final result was an anatomically accurate (XYZ accuracy = 12.5, 12.5, 5 μm) 3D model of a temporal bone that was deemed to be appropriate in tactile feedback using the surgical drill. The total cost of the material required to fabricate the model was approximately $1.50. Participants found the 3D models overall to be similar to cadaveric temporal bones, particularly in overall value and safety.

3D printed temporal bone models can be used as an affordable and inexhaustible alternative, or supplement, to traditional cadaveric surgical simulation.