Prevalence of microfissures in the human temporal bone: A report of 1000 temporal bones

Edwin H. Moreano*, Michael M. Paparella, Daniel Zelterman, Marcos V. Goycoolea

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

A total of 1000 human temporal bones were studied to determine the prevalence of two microfissures: 1. the one between the facial canal and the vestibule, 2. the microfissure between the round window niche (RWN) and the posterior semicircular canal (PSC). Additionally, this study compares the prevalence according to temporal bone age and sex. The microfissure between the facial canal and the vestibule was observed in 470 (47 %) temporal bones, with a bilateral presence of 77.2 %. The prevalence of this microfissure increases linearly with age. It was not found in any bone within the 0 to 2 age group. It was present in 3 (7.3 %) bones from the 2 to 9 age group, as opposed to 374 (54.8 %) bones from the 40 and over group. The microfissure between the RWN and the PSC was detected in 915 (91.5 %) temporal bones. This second microfissure was found to be an overwhelmingly bilateral entity. The prevalence of this other microfissure also increases with age. This microfissure was also not present in any temporal bone within the 0 to 2 age group. It was found in 28 (68.3 %) bones from the 2 to 9 age group, in contrast to 678 (99.4 %) temporal bones from the 40 + group. In addition to a review of the literature, the possible clinical significance of these microfissures is discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)741-746
Number of pages6
JournalLaryngoscope
Volume104
Issue number6
StatePublished - Jun 1994
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

copyright: © The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Prevalence of microfissures in the human temporal bone: A report of 1000 temporal bones'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this