Morphometric evaluation of middle ear anatomical structures using full volume (12 × 9) CBCT scans: A retrospective...

The tympanic cavity contains three tiny bones, the malleus, incus, and stapes, which have a fundamental role in the transmission of sound. Recent research emphasizes the use of CBCT for the anatomic study of the temporal bone. The information about middle ear anatomy on CBCT scans is meager; hence, this retrospective study was conducted to identify and determine the various morphometrical parameters of the malleus using CBCT which can be helpful during reconstructive procedures for the otologic surgeon.

The retrospective study was performed on 200 subjects (101 M and 99 F) in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. CBCT images of 200 subjects were studied in all planes to identify ossicular chain and the malleus to investigate the morphometric parameters in Indian Subjects.

The average of morphometric parameters shows that the mean length of the malleus is 7.2 mm, the mean width of the head of the malleus is 3.02 mm, length of superior semicircular canal is 4.90 mm, and length of external auditory canal is 19.15 mm in Navi Mumbai population.

The obtained morphometric data of the malleus through our study will help the prosthesis maker in the formation of various implants and grafts required to treat various ear diseases.