The FSMC is an effective method for teaching frontal sinus anatomy. A third party developed new software. The authors sought to determine whether using the educational module’s software yielded similar results to the original FSMC, which used wooden blocks.
The study was performed at a sinus course for residents. A precourse test assessed the ability to decipher frontal sinus anatomy before the procedure. CT scans of the sinuses were evaluated in a triplanar view, and participants attempted to reconstruct the anatomy using the new software. Subsequently, the course instructor explained the anatomy and showed a short corresponding surgical video of the frontal sinusotomy.
Fifty residents completed the pre-and post-course tests. Overall scores increased from 60.5% to 65.2%. Subanalysis also demonstrated an improved ability to locate the frontal drainage pathway from 32.5% to 46% and label the frontal recess cell structures from 64% to 67.6%.
The study concluded that there is minimal literature on proven methods for teaching frontal sinus anatomy. Objectively, participants of the modified FSMC simulation training using new software improved their ability to recognize cells of the frontal recess on CT scans.
Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1945892418801264
