Anatomic dissection and classic three-dimensional documentation: a unit of education for neurosurgical anatomy revisited.

Abstract

Despite development of computer-assisted neurosurgical navigation, learning by dissecting anatomic specimens is still important. We describe the processes from preparation of specimens for cranial dissection to documentation of three-dimensional (3-D) stereoscopic pictures, particularly focusing on the latter, which has been initiated in the Microneuroanatomy Laboratory, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Florida. Preparation consists of irrigation of the major vessels and injection of colored silicone. The 3-D documentation, obtaining two pictures corresponding to each eye's view, is obtained by the shoot-shift-shoot method using a single camera mounted on a slide bar. The key of this method is correct shifting of the camera without alignment error to get exact 3-D effects. Observation of 3-D image can be made with free viewing, a 3-D viewer, or projection. Tips concerning all of the processes involved are described. The presented method of dissection and obtaining 3-D images is beneficial for accomplishing studies of anatomy and for providing teaching method.