The middle cranial fossa approach to the petrous apex

Petrositis is still a very real complication of otitis media. The most striking diagnostic feature is facial and/or retrobulbar pain, and it is the most consistent symptom. External rectus paralysis was present in only one of the four cases presented in this series. Treatment is surgical. In order to spare the cochlea and give adequate exposure to the apical cells, the middle fossa approach to the petrous apex is presented, to be used alone or in conjunction with mastoidectomy.