Modified colored three-dimensional posterior and temporal cranial fossa model with mobility of the joint between C1 and occipital condyle.

Background: Skull base surgery requires anatomical knowledge and appropriate surgical technique in bone drilling. We developed a newly modified three-dimensional (3D) model of the posterior cranial fossa as a learning tool that improves knowledge of skull base anatomy and surgical approaches, including skull base drilling techniques.

Methods: This bone model of the posterior cranial fossa was created based on computed tomography data using a 3D printer, and incorporates artificial cranial nerves, cerebral vessels, bony structures, dura mater, and cerebellar tentorial dura. These anatomical components are differentiated with various colors. In addition, the atlanto-occipital junction can be mobilized to fully expose the surface of the cartilage between the C1 condyle and occipital condyle to allow drilling to open the hypoglossal canal under a wide surgical field. The usefulness of the model for practicing skull base surgical approaches was evaluated.

Results: Experience of bone drilling, dural dissection, and 3D positioning of important structures, including cranial nerves and blood vessels, was identical to that in actual surgery.

Conclusions: This model is designed to facilitate teaching anatomical knowledge and essential epidural procedure-related skills, and is useful for teaching the essential elements of posterior skull base surgery.