title: Multi-material 3D Models for Temporal Bone Surgical Simulation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A simulated, multicolor, multi-material temporal bone model can be created using 3-dimensional (3D) printing that will prove both safe and beneficial in training for actual temporal bone surgical cases.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  As the process of additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has become more practical and affordable, a number of applications for the technology in the field of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery have been considered. One area of promise is temporal bone surgical simulation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three-dimensional representations of human temporal bones were created from temporal bone computed tomography (CT) scans using biomedical image processing software. Multi-material models were then printed and dissected in a temporal bone laboratory by attending and resident otolaryngologists. A 5-point Likert scale was used to grade the models for their anatomical accuracy and suitability as a simulation of cadaveric and operative temporal bone drilling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The models produced for this study demonstrate significant anatomic detail and a likeness to human cadaver specimens for drilling and dissection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Simulated temporal bones created by this process have potential benefit in surgical training, preoperative simulation for challenging otologic cases, and the standardized testing of temporal bone surgical skills.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA austin_rose@med.unc.edu.
authors: Austin S
authors: AS
authors: Rose
authors: Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Julia S
authors: JS
authors: Kimbell
authors: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Caroline E
authors: CE
authors: Webster
authors: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Ola L A
authors: OL
authors: Harrysson
authors: Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Eric J
authors: EJ
authors: Formeister
authors: Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Craig A
authors: CA
authors: Buchman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002102:Cadaver; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: 3D printed; 3D printing; ear; safety; simulation; surgical education; surgical simulation; temporal bone; temporal bone simulation; training