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Growth dynamic of the geniculate ganglion in children: a retrospective computed tomography study
Orhan Beger1, Osman Erdoğan2, Engin Kara3
1Department of Anatomy, Mersin University Faculty of Medicine, Ciftlikkoy Campus, 33343, Mersin, Turkey. obeger@gmail.com.
Insights
The geniculate ganglion (GG) area and width increase with age in children, aiding surgical planning. Formulas derived from this study help estimate GG size and prevent injury during pediatric surgeries.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Pediatric Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- The geniculate ganglion (GG) is crucial for facial nerve function.
- Understanding its morphometric development is vital for pediatric otologic and neurosurgical procedures.
- Accurate anatomical data aids in preventing iatrogenic injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphometric development of the geniculate ganglion (GG) in children aged 1 to 18 years.
- To establish growth dynamics of the GG for surgical applications.
- To provide data for safe surgical approaches in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective computed tomography (CT) analysis of 41 pediatric patients (aged 1-18 years).
- Measurements included GG length, width, and area using CT scans.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlations with age, sex, and side.
Main Results:
- GG area and width significantly increased with age in children (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively).
- GG length did not correlate with age (p=0.155).
- Dehiscence of the GG was observed in 26.8% of temporal bones.
Conclusions:
- GG area and width show progressive growth during childhood.
- Calculated linear formulas describe GG growth dynamics.
- Findings are valuable for radiologists and otologists to estimate GG size and avoid surgical complications in children.
Purpose:
The main aim of this retrospective computed tomography (CT) study was to examine the morphometric development of the geniculate ganglion (GG) in children aged between 1 and 18 years for surgical approaches.
Methods:
This study was placed on 41 patients (20 females and 21 males) including cochlear implantation cases aged from one to 18 (at mean, 6.44 ± 5.79) years. All the measurements belonging to the length, width and area of GG were performed with a CT scanner.
Results:
The morphometric values of GG were not different in terms of sex or side, statistically (p > 0.05). The length (p = 0.155) of GG was not correlated with the increasing ages from one to 18 years; however, its area (p < 0.001) and width (p = 0.003) were found to be increased in the childhood period. Linear functions for the length, width and area of GG were calculated as y = 2.028 + 0.011 × age (years), y = 1.496 + 0.014 × age (years), and y = 3.239 + 0.035 × Age (years), respectively. The dehiscence of GG was found in 22 (26.8%) out of 82 temporal bones.
Conclusion:
Our data suggested that the area and width of GG were progressively increasing with age in the childhood period. The calculated formula representing the growth dynamic of GG in children and the incidence of the presence of the dehiscent GG can be useful for radiologists and otologists to estimate its size and to avoid iatrogenic injury during early childhood surgeries.
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