Anatomic dissection and classic three-dimensional documentation: a unit of education for neurosurgical anatomy revisited.
OBJECTIVE
Despite development of computer-assisted neurosurgical navigation, learning by dissecting anatomic specimens is still important.


METHODS
We describe the processes from preparation of specimens for cranial dissection to documentation of three-dimensional (3-D) stereoscopic pictures, particularly focusing on the latter, which has been initiated in the Microneuroanatomy Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Florida.


METHODS
Preparation consists of irrigation of the major vessels and injection of colored silicone. The 3-D documentation, obtaining two pictures corresponding to each eye's view, is obtained by the shoot-shift-shoot method using a single camera mounted on a slide bar. The key of this method is correct shifting of the camera without alignment error to get exact 3-D effects. Observation of 3-D image can be made with free viewing, a 3-D viewer, or projection. Tips concerning all of the processes involved are described.


CONCLUSIONS
The presented method of dissection and obtaining 3-D images is beneficial for accomplishing studies of anatomy and for providing teaching method.
Shimizu
Satoru
S
Department of Neurosurgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan. Satoru4756@aol.com
Tanaka
Ryusui
R
Rhoton
Albert L
AL
Fukushima
Yutaka
Y
Osawa
Shigeyuki
S
Kawashima
Masatou
M
Oka
Hidehiro
H
Fujii
Kiyotaka
K
D004210:Dissection / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D009445:Neuroanatomy / Q000193:education*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods