Review of temporal bone dissection teaching: how it was, is and will be.

OBJECTIVE We aimed to review the history of anatomical dissection, and to examine how modern educational techniques will change the way temporal bone dissection is taught to otolaryngology trainees. METHOD Review of the literature using Medline, Embase and PubMed database searches. RESULTS Temporal bone anatomy has traditionally been taught using cadaveric specimens. However, resources such as three-dimensional reconstructed models and 'virtual reality' temporal bone simulators have a place in educating the otolaryngology trainee. CONCLUSION We should encourage the use of fresh frozen cadaveric temporal bone specimens for future otologists. Artificial three-dimensional models and virtual reality temporal bone simulators can be used to educate junior trainees, thus conserving the scarce resource of cadaveric bones.