No CrossRef data available.
Article contents
Key methods of identifying the horizontal facial nerve during difficult middle-ear surgery
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 February 2013
Abstract
Background:
The key to avoiding damage to the horizontal facial nerve in middle-ear surgery is to formally identify the nerve in the early stages of the procedure.
Methods:
In the non-infected ear this can be achieved relatively easily by identifying the oval window niche. However, in the infected ear with cholesteatoma, the safest landmark to use is the processus cochleariformis, which can be identified by three different methods.
Conclusion:
In an infected ear that is full of granulation tissue and/or cholesteatoma, the horizontal facial nerve can be reliably identified by locating the processus cochleariformis using the three methods described. This avoids damage to the nerve and important structures around it.
Information
- Type
- Short Communication
- Information
- Copyright
- Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2013
References
1Sullivan, JA, Smith, JB. The otological concept of Bell's palsy and its treatment. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1950;59:1148–70CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
2Haynes, DR. The relations of the facial nerve in the temporal bone. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 1955;16:175–85Google ScholarPubMed
3Baxter, A. Dehiscence of the Fallopian canal. An anatomical study. J Laryngol Otol 1971;85:587–94CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
4Măru, N, Cheiţă, AC, Mogoantă, CA, Prejoianu, B. Intratemporal course of the facial nerve: morphological, topographic and morphometric features. Rom J Morphol Embryol 2010;51:243–8Google ScholarPubMed
5Goin, DW. Proximal intratemporal facial nerve in Bell's palsy surgery. A study correlating anatomical and surgical findings. Laryngoscope 1982;92:263–72CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed