Virtual temporal bone: an interactive 3-dimensional learning aid for cranial base surgery

OBJECTIVE: We have developed an interactive virtual model of the temporal bone for the training and teaching of cranial base surgery. METHODS: The virtual model was based on the tomographic data of the Visible Human Project. The male Visible Human's computed tomographic data were volumetrically reconstructed as virtual bone tissue, and the individual photographic slices provided the basis for segmentation of the middle and inner ear structures, cranial nerves, vessels, and brainstem. These structures were created by using outlining and tube editing tools, allowing structural modeling either directly on the basis of the photographic data or according to information from textbooks and cadaver dissections. For training and teaching, the virtual model was accessed in the previously described 3-dimensional workspaces of the Dextroscope or Dextrobeam (Volume Interactions Pte, Ltd., Singapore), whose interfaces enable volumetric exploration from any perspective and provide virtual tools for drilling and measuring. RESULTS: We have simulated several cranial base procedures including approaches via the floor of the middle fossa and the lateral petrous bone. The virtual model suitably illustrated the core facts of anatomic spatial relationships while simulating different stages of bone drilling along a variety of surgical corridors. The system was used for teaching during training courses to plan and discuss operative anatomy and strategies. CONCLUSION: The Virtual Temporal Bone and its surrounding 3-dimensional workspace provide an effective way to study the essential surgical anatomy of this complex region and to teach and train operative strategies, especially when used as an adjunct to cadaver dissections.

研究目的：本研究开发了一款交互式颞骨虚拟模型，用于颅底外科手术的教学与培训。
研究方法：该虚拟模型基于可视人计划（Visible Human Project）的断层影像数据构建。研究人员对男性可视人的计算机断层扫描数据进行体积重建，生成虚拟骨组织；同时利用其配套的摄影切片数据，为中耳、内耳结构、颅神经、血管及脑干的分割提供了基础。上述结构可通过轮廓勾勒与管编辑工具完成建模，既可以直接基于摄影切片数据进行结构构建，也可参考教科书及尸体解剖的相关信息完成建模。为满足教学与培训需求，该虚拟模型可通过此前已公开的Dextroscope或Dextrobeam三维工作空间（新加坡Volume Interactions Pte Ltd）进行访问，该系统的交互界面支持多视角体素探查，并配备虚拟钻孔与测量工具。
研究结果：本研究已模拟多种颅底手术操作，包括经中颅窝底及岩骨外侧入路的手术。该虚拟模型可清晰展示解剖空间关系的核心特征，并可模拟沿多种手术通道开展不同阶段的骨钻孔操作。该系统已在培训课程中用于教学，辅助规划与讨论手术解剖结构及手术策略。
研究结论：虚拟颞骨模型及其配套三维工作空间可为该复杂区域的核心手术解剖学研究提供高效途径，并可用于手术策略的教学与培训，尤其适合作为尸体解剖教学的辅助手段。