Abstract:ObjectiveTo investigate the application of individual threedimensional digital manikin (3DDM) in anatomic study of pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa via transnasal endoscopic approach.Methods12 adult cadaveric heads (24 sides) fixed by formalin were dyed through the artery with silicone rubber (RTV3110) and 12.5% iopromide, and then scanned by 320detectorrow spiral CT. The images were stored in DICOM format and imported to 3D view software to reconstruct individual 3DDM.The anatomic marks of skull base related to pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa via transnasal endoscopic approach were observed and the distances among the related anatomic marks were measured in individual 3DDM. The endoscopic images were recorded, and the relationships of the surgical marks were observed and measured. Finally, the consistencies of visions and data between obtained by the two methods were analyzed.ResultsThe reconstruction of the individual 3DDM of all the samples was satisfactory. The visions obtained via individual 3DDM and endoscope were highly consistent and the differences of measurement data of correlated surgical marks between individual 3DDM and endoscopes were statistically insignificant (all P>0.05). ConclusionIndividual 3DDM can provide detailed information of bony structures, arterial supply and approachrelated critical anatomical data, which have important clinical significance for transnasal endoscopic approach to pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa.