Abstract
Objectives
To determine the accuracy of a modern navigation system in temporal bone surgery. While routine in other specialties, navigation has had limited use in the temporal bone due to issues of accuracy, perceived impracticality, and value.
Study Design
Prospective observational study.
Setting
Temporal bone laboratory.
Subjects and Methods
Eighteen cadaveric specimens were dissected after rigid fiducials were implanted and computed tomography scans were obtained. Target registration and target localization errors were then measured at various points.
Results
The mean overall target registration error was 0.48 ± 0.29 mm. The mean target localization error was 0.54 mm at the sinodural angle, 0.48 mm at the lateral semicircular canal, 0.55 mm at the round window, 0.39 mm at the oval window, and 0.52 mm at the second genu of the facial nerve.
Conclusion
A modern navigation system demonstrated submillimeter accuracy for all points of interest. Its use in clinical as well as training settings has yet to be fully elucidated.
Keywords
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