Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2025
Technical Approach for Infrared Tracking for Soft Tissue Navigation with a Holographic Head-Mounted Display and Preclinical Validation
Published on: September 2, 2025
Development of a virtual reality clinically oriented temporal bone anatomy module with randomised control study of
Bridget Copson1, Sudanthi Wijewickrema1, Laurence Sorace1
1Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Objective:
To investigate the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR), three-dimensional (3D) clinically orientated temporal bone anatomy module, including an assessment of different display technologies.
Methods:
A clinically orientated, procedural and interactive anatomy module was generated from a micro-CT of a cadaveric temporal bone. The module was given in three different display technologies; 2D, 3D with monoscopic vision, and 3D with stereoscopic vision. A randomised control trial assessed the knowledge acquisition and attitudes of 47 medical students though a pretutorial and post-tutorial questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions identifying anatomic structures as well as understanding structural relations and clinical relevance. Furthermore, a five-point Likert scale assessed the students' attitudes to the module and alternative learning outcomes, such as interest in otology and preparedness for clinical rotations.
Results:
As a whole cohort, the total test score improved significantly, with a large effect size (p≤0.005, Cohen's d=1.41). The 23 students who returned the retention questionnaire had a significant improvement in total test score compared with their pretutorial score, with a large effect size (p≤0.005, Cohen's d=0.83). Display technology did not influence the majority of learning outcomes, with the exception of 3D technologies, showing a significantly improvement in understanding of clinical relevance and structural relations (p=0.034). Students preferred 3D technologies for ease of use, perceived effectiveness and willingness to use again.
Conclusions:
The developed VR temporal bone anatomy tutor was an effective self-directed education tool. 3D technology remains valuable in facilitating spatial learning and superior user satisfaction.
