The most recommended neuroanatomy resources for neurosurgeons: an international survey

Abstract

Background: Neuroanatomy is the core basis for neurosurgical excellence. The quantity of accessible neuroanatomy resources has witnessed exponential growth in recent years. Accumulating a list of popular sources and getting them ranked by neurosurgeons was the motivation behind this investigation.

Methods: A list of neuroanatomy resources was compiled using Google search wherein multiple sets of variable combinations of keywords were used. A three-section, eleven-item questionnaire was designed by two neurosurgeons and revised by a third independent reviewer. Neurosurgeons from different parts of the world were invited to participate. The participants were asked to rank the neuroanatomy textbook and non-book online source that they would recommend to neurosurgeons and the features that make a textbook appealing to them.

Results: A total of 250 neurosurgeons at different levels of training responded to our questionnaire. Overall, "Rhoton's Cranial Anatomy and Surgical Approach: Albert L. Rhoton Jr., Doctor of Medicine" was the most commonly chosen textbook that the neurosurgeons would use to revise neuroanatomy (86.0%; n = 215), recommend for residents (80.8%; n = 202) and recommend for certified surgeons (Continuing Medical Education (59.8%; n = 150), where applicable. "Illustrations" was rated as the most important neuroanatomy textbook quality by 53% (n = 134). "Rhoton collection" was the most popular online source (65.7%; n = 164.25). Chi-square tests showed no association between years of experience and the textbooks neurosurgeons recommended.

Conclusion: Based on our study Rhoton's book and his online collection are the leading neuroanatomy resources, recommended by neurosurgeons for neurosurgeons worldwide. The other selected resources can be implemented as a complementary part of a comprehensive neuroanatomy teaching curriculum. Knowing the relevance of these assets from a neurosurgeon's perspective is valuable in directing future educational plan updates and recommendations.

Keywords: Neuroanatomy; Neurosurgery; Textbooks.