J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2019; 80(S 01): S1-S244
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1679812
Poster Presentations
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Replicating the Temporal Bone with 3D Technologies: A Comparative Study Using Virtual Models

Roberto Rodriguez Rubio
1   Skull Base and Cerebrovascular Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
,
Sinem S. Ovunc
1   Skull Base and Cerebrovascular Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
,
Ricky Chae
1   Skull Base and Cerebrovascular Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
,
Adib A. Abla
1   Skull Base and Cerebrovascular Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
,
Ivan El-Sayed
1   Skull Base and Cerebrovascular Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
,
Jeffrey Sharon
1   Skull Base and Cerebrovascular Laboratory, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
06 February 2019 (online)

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Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) technologies represent useful tools for understanding the complex spatial relationships of anatomical structures. Recent studies have demonstrated the application of 3D models in preoperative temporal bone surgical simulation. However, it is unknown whether these models can precisely simulate high-resolution X-ray microtomography (micro-CT) scans. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of 3D virtual models with micro-CT scans by obtaining measurements of various temporal bone structures.

Methods: Two virtual models of the temporal bone were generated from a human cadaveric temporal bone specimen using a structured light scanner (Artec Spider, Artec 3D Lux, Luxembourg) and micro-CT. The following parameters were measured for each model using MeshLab (EUIPO, Italy) and digital calipers: (1) diameter of the external auditory canal, (2) diameter of the internal auditory canal, (3) diameter of carotid foramen, (4) distance between the mastoid point and posterior end of stylomastoid foramen (digastric roof), (5) distance between the mastoid tip and spine of Henle, (6) distance between postglenoid tubercle and articular eminence, (7)distance between the zygomaticotemporal suture and articular eminence, (8) length of petrous ridge, (9) diameter of stylomastoid foramen, (10) length of glenoid fossa.

Results: The mean difference in measured parameters between the Artec and micro-CT models was 0.52 mm (p <  0.05). When the parameters were grouped into horizontal, vertical, and foramina measurements, the Secondary analysis demonstrated that the most significant difference in measurements was observed for the stylomastoid foramen and carotid foramen ([Table 1]).

Conclusion: 3D virtual models of the temporal bone provide comparable accuracy to micro-CT scans, which may significantly benefit anatomical education and surgical planning. Further evaluation is necessary for precisely comparing the measured parameters in 3D printed models.

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