The morphometric analysis of mastoid foramen and mastoid emissary canal on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence and morphometric features of the mastoid foramen (MF) and mastoid emissary canal (MEC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), as well as their relationship with age, sex, and side.

CBCT scans of 500 patients aged 8-87 years were examined retrospectively. The presence and number of MF, mean diameter of the MEC and MF, MF location, and the distance between MF and asterion were all examined. The collected data were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. P values < 0.05 were accepted as statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval.

The study included 472 patients. MF was present in 82% and absent bilaterally in 18% of the 472 patients. The prevalence of MF was 67.8% on the right side and 65.7% on the left. The mean diameter of the MF was 3.39 ± 1.48 mm and the number of the MF ranged from zero to four. The mean diameter of the MEC was 2.05 ± 1.06 mm and the distance between MF and asterion was 22,46 ± 5,18 mm. 52.4% of the MF was observed on the occipito-mastoid suture.

To prevent surgical complications, particularly those that concern the temporal and mastoid areas, radiologists should report the results of the preoperative examination of the morphometry of the MF and MEC. CBCT imaging is a reliable diagnostic method that can be used to evaluate the MEC and MF before surgical procedures.