Abstract
Objective Describe the surgical systematization of the different variants of the middle fossa approach. Methods The search for the blue line of the superior canal at the arcuate eminence is the most reliable method to identify the internal auditory canal. When this is demonstrated, each surgical variant can then be undertaken with the surgical landmarks described below. Results The classical suprapetrosal approach allows one to directly control the entire internal acoustic meatus from the fundus of the canal to the porus. Enlarged, it provides access to the cerebello pontine angle nearby to the porus. Finally, the petrous apex can be approached while preserving the bony labyrinth via the transpetrosal middle fossa approach. Conclusion Difficult to learn, the middle fossa approach depends on recognizing the surgical landmarks of the anterosuperior surface of the petrous bone. Extradural, preserving the bony labyrinth, and controlling the entire internal acoustic meatus, it is an important approach in skull base surgery.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Annales d'Otolaryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
