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An insight to tympanic membrane perforation pressure through morphometry: A cadaver study.
Derya Ümit Talas1,2, Orhan Beger3, Ülkü Çömelekoglu4
1Mersin University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mersin, Turkey.
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
|March 24, 2021
Summary
The tympanic membrane (TM) ruptures at a mean pressure of 97.71 kPa, with no significant differences by gender or age. Minimum bursting pressures are crucial for preventing barotrauma during diving.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Forensic Science
Background:
- The tensile strength of the tympanic membrane (TM) is critical for understanding barotrauma.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the rupture pressure of the TM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally determine the bursting pressure of the human tympanic membrane (TM).
- To provide otologists with data for evaluating TM tensile strength and preventing barotrauma.
Main Methods:
- Cadaveric study involving 20 adult human ears from 10 fresh frozen heads.
- Tensile strength evaluated via membrane bursting pressure.
- TM and perforation dimensions measured using digital imaging software.
Main Results:
- Mean TM bursting pressure was 97.71 kPa (SD 36.20).
- Mean TM area was 57.46 mm²; mean perforation area was 0.55 mm².
- No significant differences in bursting pressure or TM dimensions were found based on gender or laterality.
Conclusions:
- TM rupture can occur during activities like freediving and scuba diving, potentially causing serious injury.
- Minimum experimental bursting pressures are more relevant than average values for preventing barotrauma.
- Cadaveric studies are vital for understanding TM rupture mechanisms and preventing complications.
