FORAMEN TYMPANICUM- AN EMBRYOLOGICAL DEFECT IN TYMPANIC PLATE

Abstract

Foramen tympanicum or Foramen Huschke is a bony defect in the tympanic part of temporal bone that persists after 5 years of age. Due to this, there is a chance of discharge in the ear leading to perisistent otitis externa , herniation of soft tissue into auditory canal and due to the communication there is higher chances of parotid infections to be transmitted into the EAC . The present study was conducted on 40 dried human crania .The tympanic part of temporal bone that forms the inferior wall of external auditory canal was studied to find any developmental defect - foramen tympanicum . Out of all crania studied , foramen tympanicum was observed on right side in two crania and on both sides in one cranium .The persistant foramen can produce clinical complications like fistula formation or herniation of tissues into external auditary canal.. Knowledge of this embryological defect is useful for ENT and Maxillofacial surgeons to avoid complications during operative procedures of this region and also to diagnose rare clinical presentations like persistent or chronic pain in the region of Temporomandibular joint.