open access

Vol 82, No 4 (2023)
Original article
Submitted: 2022-07-31
Accepted: 2022-10-05
Published online: 2022-10-28
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Air spaces of the temporal bone: a morphometric analysis with clinical implications

E. Szczepanek123, P. Ostrowski1, D. Rams1, M. Bonczar1, J. Batko1, W. Wojciechowski4, K. Niemczyk2, J. Walocha1, M. Koziej1
·
Pubmed: 36385426
·
Folia Morphol 2023;82(4):909-920.
Affiliations
  1. Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
  2. Department of Ortholaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
  3. Doctoral School in Medical Sciences and Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
  4. Department of Radiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland

open access

Vol 82, No 4 (2023)
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Submitted: 2022-07-31
Accepted: 2022-10-05
Published online: 2022-10-28

Abstract

Background: The main objective of the present study was to analyse the morphological
variations of the air spaces of the temporal bone, that is, the pneumatized
and air-filled spaces of the temporal bone cavities.
Materials and methods: A total of 99 sides were analysed. Temporal bone
pneumatic spaces (TBPS) were defined as the free spaces inside the cavities of the
temporal bone filled with air, excluding the volume of the structures present in
the investigated region. Total volumes of TBPS were calculated as the sum of total
volumes of mastoid air cells (MAC), tympanic cavity (TC), and external auditory
canal (EAC). Analyses were performed considering the general population and
the female and male subgroups.
Results: The overall results obtained on Polish population were set as follows: the
median total volume of TBPS was demonstrated at 7882.58 mm3 (lower quartile
[LQ]: 6200.56 mm3; higher quartile [HQ]: 10393.16 mm3). The median volume
of MAC was set at 5813.05 mm3 (LQ: 4224.94 mm3; HQ: 8181.81 mm3). The
median of the total volume of the EAC was demonstrated at 1294.36 mm3 (LQ:
1099.68 mm3; HQ: 1627.84 mm3).
Conclusions: In the present study, the morphometric properties of the temporal
bone cavities were analysed. The results showed that the total volume of the MAC
was, on average, lower in women than in men. This should be taken into account
when performing procedures on the mastoid, such as mastoidectomies. It is hoped
that the results of this study can help reduce potential surgical complications
associated with otological procedures.

Abstract

Background: The main objective of the present study was to analyse the morphological
variations of the air spaces of the temporal bone, that is, the pneumatized
and air-filled spaces of the temporal bone cavities.
Materials and methods: A total of 99 sides were analysed. Temporal bone
pneumatic spaces (TBPS) were defined as the free spaces inside the cavities of the
temporal bone filled with air, excluding the volume of the structures present in
the investigated region. Total volumes of TBPS were calculated as the sum of total
volumes of mastoid air cells (MAC), tympanic cavity (TC), and external auditory
canal (EAC). Analyses were performed considering the general population and
the female and male subgroups.
Results: The overall results obtained on Polish population were set as follows: the
median total volume of TBPS was demonstrated at 7882.58 mm3 (lower quartile
[LQ]: 6200.56 mm3; higher quartile [HQ]: 10393.16 mm3). The median volume
of MAC was set at 5813.05 mm3 (LQ: 4224.94 mm3; HQ: 8181.81 mm3). The
median of the total volume of the EAC was demonstrated at 1294.36 mm3 (LQ:
1099.68 mm3; HQ: 1627.84 mm3).
Conclusions: In the present study, the morphometric properties of the temporal
bone cavities were analysed. The results showed that the total volume of the MAC
was, on average, lower in women than in men. This should be taken into account
when performing procedures on the mastoid, such as mastoidectomies. It is hoped
that the results of this study can help reduce potential surgical complications
associated with otological procedures.

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Keywords

temporal bone, temporal bone trauma, laryngeal anatomy and physiology, external ear

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Title

Air spaces of the temporal bone: a morphometric analysis with clinical implications

Journal

Folia Morphologica

Issue

Vol 82, No 4 (2023)

Article type

Original article

Pages

909-920

Published online

2022-10-28

Page views

974

Article views/downloads

504

DOI

10.5603/FM.a2022.0093

Pubmed

36385426

Bibliographic record

Folia Morphol 2023;82(4):909-920.

Keywords

temporal bone
temporal bone trauma
laryngeal anatomy and physiology
external ear

Authors

E. Szczepanek
P. Ostrowski
D. Rams
M. Bonczar
J. Batko
W. Wojciechowski
K. Niemczyk
J. Walocha
M. Koziej

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