Preparation of a temporal bone exhibit

Abstract

Temporal bone dissection forms an important aspect in the training of an otolaryngologist. The more dissection one does the more confident one is in the operating room. The aim of this paper is to advise in the preparation of temporal bones for the purpose of display, exhibition or competition. The practical aspects of dissection are deliberately avoided concentrating on the selection of bones pre- and post-dissection, preparation of the bones, fixing and display of vessels and nerves and also mounting and lighting for exhibition purposes.

The temporal bone laboratory should be well equipped with a microscope, a power drill with a range of cutting and polishing burrs, a range of fine instruments, a suction machine with different sizes of suction tips, water source, a place to store the bones etc., thus creating an ideal environment for temporal bone dissection.