A Case of Patent Foramen of Huschke Confirmed during Tympanoplasty / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

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.