Abstract
Purpose
This research was designed to aid practical otologic studies of the human middle ear. The topographic anatomy access of the middle ear was described with special focus to the cochlear implant procedure. It was conducted in an attempt to elucidate factors that would ultimately determine the ease of insertion of an electrode array.
Methods
Fifteen right and 12 left temporal bones were dissected under the surgical microscope. After performing appropriate incisions, the distances between the stapedius muscle tendon, incus long crus and the cochleostomy were measured with the help of a digital microscope (Dino-Lite plus®).
Results
After performing statistical analysis, we found that strong relationship exists in the distances between the measured anatomical landmarks.
Conclusion
Microscopic anatomical studies of the temporal bone are essential to safely perform surgical intervention within the middle ear. The results shows that morphometric data concerning different anatomical structures inside the middle ear, particularly distances, is an important contribution towards the planning of safe surgical procedures.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the team of otorhinolaryngologists at HRAC/USP/Brazil (Centrinho) for their constant assistance during this study. Special thanks to Heitor Marques Honório, PhD (Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics and Collective Health-Statistic, FOB/USP/Brazil) for helping us with the statistical analysis.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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de Castro Rodrigues, A., Shinohara, A.L., Andreo, J.C. et al. Surgical anatomy of the human middle ear: an insight into cochlear implant surgery. Surg Radiol Anat 34, 535–538 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-012-0947-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-012-0947-6