1987 Volume 1987 Issue Supplement10 Pages 30-37
The incidence, location and size of dehiscence of the facial canal were determined from histologic examination of serially sectioned temporal bones.
Dehiscence was measured at its widest diameter. One hundred and twenty-one temporal bones from 63 subjects were examined,5 being unpaired. Dehiscences were found in 101 t emporal bones (83%). Dehiscences with diameters 0.5 mm or larger were found in 86 temporal bones (71%). Ninety percent of the dehiscences were located in the tympanic segment and 10% in the mastoid segment. Of all dehiscence,66% were located adjacent to the oval window. Of the 58subjects in which both temporal bones were available for study,44 (76%) showed dehiscences in both ears.
The present stu d y brings to attention the possible frequent occurrence of the dehiscence and close attention should be paid to surgical procedures concerning the eradication of inflammatory granulation tissue or cholesteatoma matrix from the epitympanic space.
