[Ceramic model for temporal bone exercises--an alternative for human temporal bones?].

BACKGROUND: The complexity of the temporal bone anatomy makes it necessary to train in a model before starting middle ear surgery. The classical object are human cadaver temporal bones, but these are not always available for different reasons. Alternatively in cooperation between the department of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery of the University of Jena and the 3di company Jena, Germany, a calcium sulfate based model was developed.
METHODS: During a temporal bone course at the Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania, these ceramic temporal bone specimens were used for training. Because of the lack of drills, the specimens were worked on in chisel and carving technique. All participants were beginners in ear surgery. Classical procedures in mastoid surgery were performed: Exposing of sigmoid sinus, facial nerve, labyrinth, dura, jugular bulb and internal carotid artery.
RESULTS: The temporal bone models were very useful for these exercises. Good exposure was possible for the dura, the facial nerve and the major blood vessels. The possibility of exposing tinier structures like the labyrinth was still insufficient. Nevertheless the understanding of the 3-dimensional anatomy of the temporal bone using the ceramic model was excellent. The relationship of all important anatomical structures could be taught intensively.
CONCLUSIONS: Particularly for beginners or in cases where human temporal bones are not available the calcium sulfate based temporal bone is an alternative training model for mastoid and middle ear surgery.