Assessment of temporal bone skills on 3D-printed temporal bones – a useful training curriculum?
Reviewed by Madhup K Chaurasia

The authors contend it is now archaic to follow Halstead’s model of surgical training, namely ‘see one, do one and teach one’. Simulated training is now widely used in many surgical specialities. With every surgical trainee having an individual learning curve, simulation ensures patient safety and reduces expensive theatre surgical time. In this study of simulated temporal bone dissection, the model was obtained by the method of laser sintering 3D printing using resin. Prior comparison with other material and methods found this ‘temporal bone’ product to be closest to the natural bone. Twenty-four trainees were asked to perform a cortical mastoidectomy. Videotaped recordings of the procedure were made. Objective structured assessment was done by two examiners on two occasions. Useful criteria were applied, such as identification of anatomical landmarks, respect for tissue, time and motion, instrument handling, knowledge of instruments and the general flow of the operation. A positive and statistically significant correlation was found between examiner scores by extensive analysis. The authors see the use of 3D printing and simulation on the models as an equally reliable method of surgical training, supported by very objective and acceptable assessment of the trainees’ capability and progress. Although the ‘real life’ scenario cannot be fully simulated, the authors have shown what could be a fairly validated and useful compliment to conventional surgical training.

Objective structured assessment of technical skill in temporal bone dissection:validation of a novel tool.
Stravakas M, Menexes G, Triaridis S, et al.
J LARYNGOL OTOLOL
2021;135(6):518-28.