Plastinated Ethmoidal Region: I. Preparation and Applications in Clinical Teaching

Ethmoidal regions were prepared and dissected to demonstrate regional sinus anatomy and endoscopic surgical approaches from six human heads. After preparation, the specimens were plastinated using the standard S10 technique. A CT-scan of each ethmoidal block was performed before and after preparation of the block to access shrinkage. The plastinated specimens were successfully introduced into clinical teaching of sinus anatomy and surgery. One advantage of using these specimens is their long-lasting preservation without deterioration of the tissue. The specimens are well suited for comparative radiographic and endoscopic studies, and the CT-scans allowed an exact measurement of tissue shrinkage due to plastination. Increased tissue rigidity and shrinkage due to plastination has to be taken into account for subsequent endoscopic observation.