title: Assessing mental representation of mastoidectomy by a computer-based drawing tool.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  This simple computer-based drawing tool provides valid information on mental representation of mastoidectomy at its initial phase.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to elaborate a simple computer-based drawing tool to assess the mental representation of mastoidectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve trainees in otology (five beginners, seven mid-level) and four otology experts participated in this prospective study. The image of a mastoid was displayed on a screen. All subjects reproduced the movements of mastoidectomy with a pen on a graphic tablet. Movements appeared as gray lines on the image. Surgeons were evaluated before and after a dissection course. The surface of mastoidectomy, perimeter, circularity, and the angle between traces and cavity edges were measured by Image J software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total surface of mastoidectomy was higher in experts than in mid-level and beginner trainees (respectively 99 ± 6.5%, vs 57 ± 1.5%, and 22 ± 5.6%, p < 0.01 for experts vs beginners and p < 0.05 for experts vs mid-level, ANOVA and Bonferroni). Circularity was also higher in experts than in trainees. After training, total surface and circularity increased. The angle between traces and cavity edges was lower in experts than in trainees and was reduced after training.
authors.affiliation: Otolaryngology Department, APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France. alexis.bozorg-grayeli@bjn.aphp.fr
authors.forename: Alexis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bozorg Grayeli
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bernardeschi
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sonji
authors.forename: Hani
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Elgarem
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sterkers
authors.forename: Evelyne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ferrary
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D011446:Prospective Studies