title: 3D Printed Pediatric Temporal Bone: A Novel Training Model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Temporal bone dissection is a fundamental element of otologic training. Cadaveric temporal bones (CTB) are the gold standard surgical training model; however, many institutions do not have ready access to them and their cost can be significant: $300 to $500. Furthermore, pediatric cadaveric temporal bones are not readily available. Our objective is to develop a pediatric temporal bone model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Temporal bone model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary Children's Hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pediatric patient model.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the novel use of a 3D printer for the generation of a plaster training model from a pediatric high- resolution CT temporal bone scan of a normal pediatric temporal bone.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three models were produced and were evaluated. The models utilized multiple colors (white for bone, yellow for the facial nerve) and were of high quality. Two models were drilled as a proof of concept and found to be an acceptable facsimile of the patient's anatomy, rendering all necessary surgical landmarks accurately. The only negative comments pertaining to the 3D printed temporal bone as a training model were the lack of variation in hardness between cortical and cancellous bone, noting a tactile variation from cadaveric temporal bones.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our novel pediatric 3D temporal bone training model is a viable, low-cost training option for previously inaccessible pediatric temporal bone training. Our hope is that, as 3D printers become commonplace, these models could be rapidly reproduced, allowing for trainees to print models of patients before performing surgery on the living patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Louisiana State University-Health Science Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Evan A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Longfield
authors.forename: Todd M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Brickman
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jeyakumar
mesh_terms: D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed