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The discomallear ligament: anatomical, microscopical, and radiologic analysis.
Michele Runci Anastasi1, Veronica Macchi2, Valentino Vellone3
1Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|January 27, 2020
Summary
The discomallear ligament (DML) was found in 100% of cadaver dissections and CT scans, connecting the temporo-mandibular joint to the malleus. This ligament may explain ear symptoms associated with temporo-mandibular disorders.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Histology
- Radiology
Background:
- The temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) and ear structures share anatomical relationships potentially explaining otologic symptoms in TMJ disorders.
- The discomallear ligament (DML) is an otomandibular structure situated between the malleus and the retrodiscal capsular complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and morphology of the DML through cadaveric dissection.
- To characterize the collagen type within the DML.
- To evaluate the DML's appearance on routine computed tomography (CT).
Main Methods:
- Dissection of five adult cadavers.
- Histological analysis of DML collagen type.
- CT examination of 40 patients without ear pathology.
Main Results:
- The DML was identified in 100% of cadavers and CT scans.
- DML primarily composed of collagen type I with abundant elastic fibers.
- CT revealed a dense structure connecting the petrotympanic fissure to the malleus; 90% were triangular, 5% rectangular, and 5% curved.
Conclusions:
- The DML is a consistently present anatomical structure.
- The DML connects the TMJ and malleus, suggesting a potential role in TMJ disorder-related otologic symptoms.
