Validation of a Networked Virtual Reality Simulation of Temporal Bone Surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess the content validity and concurrent validity of a haptically (force feedback) rendered, virtual reality simulation of temporal bone surgery. METHODS: Eleven naive surgical trainees were given a 1-hour lesson on the operation, cortical mastoidectomy, in the virtual environment with the trainer on a networked simulator and then asked to perform this procedure on a real temporal bone. RESULTS: The simulator was found to be a convincing representation of temporal bone drilling and could be said to exhibit face validity. The simulator was an effective means of teaching both the surgical anatomy and the surgical approach as judged by oral assessments made before and after the..