• Muhammet Enes Gurses, Elif Gökalp, Neslihan Nisa Gecici, Abuzer Gungor, Mustafa Berker, Michael E Ivan, Ricardo J Komotar, Aaron A Cohen-Gadol, and Uğur Türe.
• 1Department of Neurosurgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.
• J. Neurosurg. 2024 Sep 1; 141 (3): 865874865-874.

ObjectiveThe utilization of digital technologies has experienced a notable surge, particularly in cases where access to cadavers is constrained, within the context of practical neuroanatomy training. This study evaluates augmented reality (AR)- and virtual reality (VR)-based educational models for neuroanatomy education.MethodsThree-dimensional models were created using advanced photogrammetry. VR- and AR-based educational models were developed by arranging these 3D models to align with the learning objectives of neurosurgery residents and second-year medical students whose cadaveric training was disrupted due to an earthquake in Turkey. Participants engaged with and evaluated the VR- and AR-based educational models, followed by the completion of a 20-item graded user experience survey. A 10-question mini-test was given to assess the baseline knowledge level prior to training and to measure the achievement of learning objectives after training.ResultsForty neurosurgery residents were trained with a VR-based educational model using VR headsets. An AR-based educational model was provided online to 200 second-year medical students for their practical neuroanatomy lesson. The average correct answer rates before the training were 7.5/10 for residents and 4.8/10 for students. These rates were significantly improved after the training to 9.7/10 for residents and to 8.7/10 for students (p < 0.001). Feedback from the users concurred that VR- and AR-based training could significantly enhance the learning experience in the field of neuroanatomy.ConclusionsVR/AR-based educational models have the potential to improve education. VR/AR-based training systems can serve as an auxiliary tool in neuroanatomy training, offering a realistic alternative to traditional learning tools.

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