Replicating Skull Base Anatomy With 3D Technologies: A Comparative Study Using 3D-scanned and 3D-printed Models of the Temporal Bone

Hypothesis: 3D technologies, including structured light scanning (SLS), microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and 3D printing, are valuable tools for reconstructing temporal bone (TB) models with high anatomical fidelity and cost-efficiency. Background: Operations involving TB require intimate knowledge of neuroanatomical structures—a demand that is currently met through dissection of limited cadaveric resources. We aimed to document the volumetric reconstruction of TB models using 3D technologies and quantitatively assess their anatomical fidelity. Methods: In the primary analysis, 14 anatomical characteristics of right-side TB from 10 dry skulls were measured. Each skull was 3D-scanned using SLS to generate virtual models, which were measured using mesh processing software. Metrics were analyzed using mean absolute differences and one-sample t tests with Bonferroni correction. In the secondary analysis, an individualized right-side TB specimen (TBi) was 3D-scanned using SLS and micro-CT, and 3D-printed on a stereolithography printer. Measurements of each virtual and 3D-printed model were compared to measurements of TBi. Results: Significant differences between the physical skulls and virtual models were observed for 11 of 14 parameters (p 
Source: Otology and Neurotology - Category: ENT & OMF Tags: BASIC SCIENCE Source Type: research