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Evaluation of the microgrinding procedure for the microscopic analysis of temporal bones
J C Cisneros1,2, R de Brito3, G S de Martins3
1a Hospital das Clínicas - University of São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil.
Introduction:
The microgrinding technique is used to study cochlear implant electrode positioning and cochlear trauma. It may be argued that this technique might cause damage to inner cochlear structures even without a cochlear implant insertion and thus it should not be recommended. Most papers do not explain how microgrinding is performed, referring to older papers for its description. Properly describing the technique and re-evaluating its safety may reassure researchers of their findings when studying trauma after cochlear implant insertion.
Objective:
To accurately describe the microgrinding technique and re-evaluate its safety to assess intracochlear trauma by studying non-implanted temporal bones.
Methods:
Four fresh temporal bones were removed before 24 hours postmortem and frozen at -20°C. Two were prepared for microgrinding before 24 hours of freezing and the others after 6 months. A descriptive analysis of the microscopic anatomy was performed, as well as a comparison between the bones processed within 24 hours of freezing and the bones frozen for 6 months.
Results:
A total of 80 surfaces was evaluated. Preservation of even the most delicate intracochlear and vestibular structures was observed, such as the crista ampullaris, Reissner's and basilar membranes, permitting an adequate micro-anatomical study. Artifacts were rare and did not interfere with the analysis. Bones studied before 24 hours postmortem exhibited better quality than those frozen for 6 months.
Conclusions:
The microgrinding technique accurately preserves the inner ear's membranous microscopic anatomy and thus it is useful to study cochlear implant electrode positioning and trauma inside the cochlea. Studies that aim to evaluate inner ear microanatomy should be performed with fresh bones or bones frozen for less than 24 hours since they exhibit a better micro-anatomical quality.
Insights
The microgrinding technique effectively preserves inner ear anatomy for studying cochlear implants and trauma. For best results in micro-anatomical studies, use fresh or briefly frozen temporal bones.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Anatomy
Background:
- The microgrinding technique is utilized for examining cochlear implant electrode placement and associated cochlear trauma.
- Concerns exist regarding potential damage to inner cochlear structures from microgrinding, even without implant insertion.
- Existing literature often lacks detailed descriptions of the microgrinding procedure, relying on older references.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a precise description of the microgrinding technique.
- To reassess the safety and efficacy of microgrinding for evaluating intracochlear trauma.
- To study trauma in non-implanted temporal bones using microgrinding.
Main Methods:
- Four fresh temporal bones were obtained within 24 hours postmortem and stored at -20°C.
- Two bones were processed for microgrinding within 24 hours of freezing; the other two were processed after 6 months.
- A comparative analysis of micro-anatomical structures was conducted between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Eighty surfaces were analyzed, revealing excellent preservation of delicate intracochlear and vestibular structures (e.g., crista ampullaris, Reissner's and basilar membranes).
- Minimal artifacts were observed, and they did not impede the analysis.
- Temporal bones processed within 24 hours of freezing demonstrated superior micro-anatomical quality compared to those frozen for 6 months.
Conclusions:
- The microgrinding technique reliably preserves the fine micro-anatomy of the inner ear's membranous structures.
- This technique is valuable for investigating cochlear implant positioning and trauma.
- Optimal micro-anatomical quality for inner ear studies is achieved using fresh or short-term frozen (under 24 hours) temporal bones.
