Avoiding mastoid cavity problems: mastoid obliteration using bioactive glass

The aim of this study was to evaluate bioactive glass as an ideal material for the purpose of mastoid cavity elimination after mastoid surgery to avoid mastoid cavity problems. In 20 patients diagnosed as cholesteatoma or chronic unsafe ear, we used different surgical techniques according to pathology and situation during surgical exploration, basically adhering to standard principles of eradicating disease in chronic unsafe ear. After performing the canal wall down [CWD] or the canal wall up [CWU] technique, mastoidectomy was followed by obliteration of mastoid cavity by particulate form Bioglass. Cases were divided according to operative procedures, type of reconstruction and material used into 3 groups A- Canal wall up mastoidectomy followed by obliteration of mastoid cavity by particulate form Bioglass. B- Canal wall down mastoidectomy followed by reconstruction of posterior meatal wall and obliteration of mastoid cavity by particulate form Bioglass. C- Canal wall down mastoidectomy followed by reconstruction of posterior meatal wall by conchal cartilage and obliteration of mastoid cavity by Bioglass. Bioactiveglass paste is very effective for mastoid obliteration in the three groups with good integration to the surrounding tissues either connective tissue, bone, meninges or lateral dural sinus without any adverse reaction on the dura even with contact to Bioglass. Infection was seen in 2 cases [10%], however was readily controlled by topical application of antibiotics daily for one week. In both cases no extrusion of the material occurred. The successful formation of bone with elimination of mastoid cavity problems proved that using Bioglass is appropriate for performing clinical mastoid obliteration

Mastoid process syndrome: an obscure cause for pain in the neck

This article gave a report on 12 patients with a pain syndrome arising from the region of the tip of mastoid process and sternomastoid muscle. It is often missed and yet is readily treatable it is not uncommon cause for pain in the neck treatment suggested was oral and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which control the symptoms. Better recognition of this pain syndrome will save patients from undergoing unnecessary investigation and inappropriate treatment