Corrosion casting of the temporal bone: Review of the technique

Abstract

The temporal bone has the most sophisticated anatomy of the whole skeleton. Its study is a challenge for students and surgeons. An inverse model of the visually obscured cavities and canals can facilitate better three-dimensional orientation and investigation. This can be made by means of corrosion casting, which is an established technique first documented on the temporal bone at the beginning of the nineteenth century. The prepared specimens are suitable not only for teaching purposes but also for research on the fascinating topography of the osseous labyrinth and the whole temporal bone. Many important studies on temporal bone anatomy are based on this technique. An extensive review of the pertinent literature is provided in relation to each method available.