Surgical Anatomy for the Extended Middle Fossa Approach / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The extended middle fossa approach is an essential method in approaching the internal acoustic canal and the cerebellopontine angle while preserving the hearing function. This work attempted to establish some anatomical landmarks in the petrous apex as it relates to the extended middle fossa approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We dissected 49 human skulls of Korean origin by using the extended middle fossa approach. RESULTS: Internal acoustic canal (IAC) was identified in an attempt to find reliable distances and angles to be used in the extended middle fossa approach. In addition, the dimensions of the fundus of IAC and IAC as well as the extension ranges were obtained. CONCLUSION: The extended middle fossa approach is a good method in approaching the internal acoustic canal and cerebellopontine angle. In this study, we have established anatomical landmarks for using this approach in the human skulls of Korean origin.