Temporal Bone Dissection

The objective of this course is to offer a step-wise learning process starting with 2D illustrations, followed by a progressive introduction to the third dimension, to finally achieving a virtual dissection of the temporal bone.

Before drilling the temporal bone to expose the middle ear structures, an excellent understanding of the locations and spatial relationships of key anatomical structures is needed.

Thorough knowledge of the procedure is important, along with an understanding of basic concepts in temporal bone surgery. Illustrations, photos and videos can be used as initial learning tools (course 1), but they are not sufficient to gain a complete understanding, as they do not offer a spatial view of the operating space (course 2).

An optional module is available (course 3) that facilitates knowledge transfer to a physical medium, through the dissection of artificial temporal bones.

The course consists of three components:

• Course 1: Online surgical anatomy course integrating virtual anatomy of the temporal bone
• Course 2: Virtual reality temporal bone dissection on a surgical simulator (attendance in your own time at University of Melbourne)
• Course 3 (Optional): PHACON artificial temporal bone simulation (completion in your own time)

Online learning will be included for all three courses, however the two simulation courses will have additional content related to how to perform the simulation exercises, as well as a reflective log to document the simulation practice.

Course 2 and course 3 will have practice logbook, to enable electronic supervisor verification and feedback on drilling techniques.

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