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Correlation between temporal bone pneumatization, location of lateral sinus and length of the mastoid process

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

S. Turgut  and
M. Tos
S. Turgut*
Affiliation:
2nd ENT Clinic of Numune Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
M. Tos
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
*
Mirko Tos, M.D., ENT Department, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, DK-2900 Hellerup, Denmark
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Abstract

The relationship between temporal bone pneumatization and the location of the lateral sinus and length of the mastoid process was investigated in 60 fresh frozen adult temporal bones, by plain X-rays, computed tomography and surgical dissection including otomicroscopic findings. Temporal bone pneumatization was classified as small, moderate and large. After drilling, the shortest distances between the middle fossa dura and mastoid tip representing the mastoid length and between the sigmoid sinus and posterior border of external auditory canal were measured and compared to the degree of pneumatization. The distances in the specimens with pathological eardrum and adhesions in the middle ear were compared to the ones without gross pathology. The length of mastoid process was significantly shorter in specimens with small pneumatization than those with large (Mann Whitney P<0.001).

The specimens with a pathological eardrum and middle ear adhesions had a significantly shorter mastoid length than those without gross pathology. There was no significant difference between degree of pneumatization and the shortest distance between sigmoid sinus and external auditory canal (Mann Whitney P>0.05). It is demonstrated that the ‘under-developed’ mastoid process can be a consequence of hampered pneumatization.

Keywords

Temporal bone

Information

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 106 , Issue 6 , June 1992 , pp. 485 - 489
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1992

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