Tag: 3D model

Posted on

Morphological analysis of the trigeminal nerve in trigeminal neuralgia using the nerve’s centerline and multiple cross-sections of a 3D model

J Neurosurg 142:884–891, 2025

• Study Objective: Quantify morphological changes in trigeminal nerve causing trigeminal neuralgia (TN).

• Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with TN undergoing microvascular decompression (MVD).

• Parameters Analyzed: Centerline length, curvature, torsion, cross-sectional area, flattening ratio, long-axis angle.

• Results: Affected side showed longer centerline, greater curvature, smaller area pre-surgery.

• Postoperative Changes: Affected side showed shorter centerline, larger cross-sectional area post-surgery.

• Concordance Rate: 91.4% between intraoperative findings and 3D model flexion locations.

• Accuracy of Segmentation: Manual segmentation showed 80%-90% concordance with surgical findings.

• Limitations: Retrospective, single institution, manual segmentation, not fully matching surgical findings.

• Further Analyses: Needed for patients without neurovascular compression (NVC) and with venous compression.

• Study Implications: Method helps analyze TN pathophysiology, aid diagnosis, predict treatment efficacy.

• Statistical Analysis: Mann-Whitney U-test, significance set at p < 0.05

Posted on

3-Dimensional Printed Model of the Temporal Bone for Neurosurgical Training

Operative Neurosurgery 27:749–755, 2024

The development of neurosurgical skills stands out as a paramount objective for neurosurgery residents during their formative years. Mastery of intricate and complex procedures is a time-intensive process marked by a gradually ascending learning curve. Consequently, the study and simulation on surgical models assume significant importance. One of the most intricate neuroanatomical regions includes the petrous and mastoid portions of the temporal bone. These regions host critical, highly functional, and vital neurovascular structures, including the facial nerve, cochlea, semicircular canals, internal carotid artery, and middle ear. This fully open-source 3-dimensional (3D) model of the temporal bone, created for educational purposes, should be easily and economically reproducible using a 3D printer, offering all residents the opportunity to understand the spatial location, three-dimensional anatomical structures, and fundamental intricacies of mastoidectomy.

METHODS: A 3D model of the temporal bone was fabricated using a computed tomography (CT) scan derived from an actual human body. The CT scan of the model was meticulously juxtaposed with the reference sample CT scan. Neurosurgical residents were recruited as participants for this study. Each participant was tasked with executing a mastoidectomy on 2 separate occasions, with a 2-week interval between attempts. Throughout these sessions, various parameters, including the time taken for task completion, the volume of bone removal, and any potential complications, were systematically registered.

RESULTS: The mean volume of bone removed increased by 34.5%, and the mean task time and the mean number of complications decreased by 10.3% and 25%, respectively, during the training.

CONCLUSION: Engaging in training with cost-effective anatomical models constitutes a valuable tool for refining technical skills during residency. We posit that this type of model training should be incorporated as part of the trainee’s curriculum during the residency program because of the myriad advantages evidenced by the findings of this study.

Proudly powered by WordPress