RESUMO
Objective To study the morphology of the persistent foramen of Huschke (PHF)and the weakness of the remains of foramen of Huschke (WRHF)in the external auditory canal (EAC)by high resolution computer tomography (HRCT)in vivo. Methods The thin HRCT images of 525 cases elder than 5 years were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists,to detect the PHF or WRHF,and to depict the precise location,size and the distance to the tympanic membrane.The incidence,sex differences, and morphologic data of PHF and WRHF were statistical analyzed.Results ①PHFs were found in 146 EACs of 40 males and 77 fe-males with the prevalence of 13.91%,and were found on both sides in 29 cases.Mean maximum axial diameter was 2.35 mm± 1.1 6 mm (0.6-5.8 mm)and sagittal diameter was 2.09 mm±1.2 mm (0.5-6.2 mm).Mean distance between the inner edge of PFH and the sulcus tympanicus was 1.61 mm±2.4 mm (0-10 mm).②WRHFs were found in 233 EACs of 58 males and 122 fe-males with the prevalence of 22.1 9%,and were found on both sides in 53 cases.Mean maximum axial diameter was 2.43 mm± 0.89 mm (0.8-5.4 mm)and sagittal diameter was 2.08 mm±0.73 mm (0.6-4.3 mm).Mean distance between the inner edge of WRPFH and the sulcus tympanicus was 1.55 mm±1.2 mm (0 - 9.9 mm).③The distance to the sulcus tympanicus was within 3 mm in 137 cases (90.73%)of PFHs and 221 cases (94.43%)of WRFHs.Conclusion Both PHF and WRFH are common by the CT morphological study in vivo.The medial part of EAC is predominant and female is predominant.The incidence and the location of PHF and WRFH are no significant difference.
RESUMO
Background: The deficiency in the antero-inferior wall of the bony part of external auditory canal (EAC) closes by 5 years of age but if it persists beyond that age it is called foramen of Huschke. Depending on the population studied, persistence of this foramen has been seen in 0-67% of adult crania. Review of literature revealed that no data was available in North Indian population; therefore the present study is being undertaken. Methods: Sixty North Indian adult human crania were examined and the presence of foramen of Huschke was noted. The side to which it belonged to, its shape and size were observed. Size of the foramen was measured using vernier caliper. Results: Out of sixty North Indian adult human crania seen, foramen of Huschke was present in 14 crania. It was observed unilaterally in 10 crania and bilaterally in 4. Although different shapes of the foramen like pin point, pin head, circular, irregular and U shape were observed but in majority of cases it was U shaped. Its size varied from pin point- 10 mm transversely and pin point to 9 mm longitudinally. Conclusion: This study revealed that about 23% of North Indian adult human crania have foramen of Huschke. Persistent foramen of Huschke in the adult life may be involved in different abnormalities of the EAC and may lead to otological complications. Therefore, ENT surgeons should be aware of persistent foramen of Huschke and keep it as one of the possible diagnoses while dealing with patients presenting with otological complications. Also the surgeons should be careful while performing endoscopy of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) so that accidental damage of TMJ can be prevented.
RESUMO
Herniation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) into the external auditory canal (EAC) has been reported to occur spontaneously or as a result of trauma, neoplasia, infection, or inflammatory processes. It was postulated that spontaneous herniations were attributable to a patent foramen of Huschke, which represents a non-ossified portion of the tympanic plate. Eight cases of spontaneous herniation of the TMJ into the EAC were reported internationally. Recently, we experienced a case of a patent foramen of Huschke confirmed during a tympanoplasty. We reviewed the intimate relation of the TMJ to the temporal bone as well as the characteristic location, clinical and radiographic findings of a patent foramen of Huschke.