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The effect of virtual reality on temporal bone anatomy evaluation and performance
Tomi Timonen1,2, Aarno Dietz3,4, Pia Linder3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kuopio University Hospital, Puijonlaaksontie 2, 70210 Kuopio, PL 100, 70029, Kuopio, Finland. tomi.timonen@kuh.fi.
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) enhances temporal bone anatomy evaluation for novice surgeons, improving speed and accuracy compared to traditional methods. This technology offers a more efficient learning environment for complex anatomical assessments.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Imaging
- Virtual Reality Applications
Background:
- Limited data exists on virtual reality (VR) for temporal bone anatomy evaluation.
- Preoperative planning for otosurgery requires accurate anatomical understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare virtual reality (VR) versus traditional computed tomography (CT) cross-sectional viewing for temporal bone anatomy evaluation.
- To assess performance and user experience in novice and expert surgeons during simulated preoperative planning.
Main Methods:
- Novice (n=5) and expert (n=5) surgeons identified 24 landmarks and performed 11 measurements on 5 cadaver temporal bones.
- Tasks were completed in both a VR environment and using PACS cross-sectional CT views.
- Performance time and user experience were recorded and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Novices showed significantly more errors and longer performance times with CT compared to experts.
- In VR, no significant differences in errors or time were found between novice and expert groups.
- Novices demonstrated significantly faster performance and a trend towards fewer errors in VR compared to CT. User experience scores were significantly higher for VR in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Virtual reality (VR) is an efficient tool for evaluating complex temporal bone anatomy, particularly for novice surgeons.
- VR improves anatomical assessment speed and accuracy for novices compared to traditional cross-sectional CT viewing.
- VR provides a superior user experience for temporal bone anatomical evaluation.
