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Air spaces of the temporal bone: a morphometric analysis with clinical implications
E Szczepanek1,2,3, P Ostrowski1, D Rams1
1Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
Folia Morphologica
|November 17, 2022
Summary
This study analyzed temporal bone air spaces in 99 individuals. Mastoid air cell volume was found to be smaller in women, which is crucial for mastoidectomy surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Otology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Investigated morphological variations of air-filled spaces within the temporal bone cavities.
- Focused on pneumatized regions, including mastoid air cells, tympanic cavity, and external auditory canal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the morphological variations of temporal bone air spaces.
- To calculate the total volumes of temporal bone pneumatic spaces (TBPS) in a Polish population.
- To identify potential sex-based differences in these volumes.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 99 temporal bone sides.
- Defined and calculated total volumes of TBPS, comprising mastoid air cells (MAC), tympanic cavity (TC), and external auditory canal (EAC).
- Subgroup analyses were conducted for the general population, and female and male subgroups.
Main Results:
- Median total TBPS volume was 7882.58 mm³.
- Median MAC volume was 5813.05 mm³.
- Median EAC volume was 1294.36 mm³.
Conclusions:
- Morphometric properties of temporal bone cavities were analyzed.
- Average total MAC volume was lower in women compared to men.
- Findings are relevant for reducing surgical complications in otological procedures like mastoidectomies.
