To study the anatomy of tympanomastoid segment of facial nerve and its variations in human cadaveric temporal bone

Abstract

Introduction: The facial nerve is one of the most significant and vulnerable structures in the temporal bone. Its dysfunction affects both voluntary and voluntary motion leading to noticeable disfigurement and emotional distress to those suffering from it. Iatrogenic facial paralysis is known to be a feared complication of ear surgery, and its incidence is reported to be 0.6–3.6% in all otologic surgical procedures, which increases to 4–10% in revision cases. Objective: The aim of this study is to study the anatomical aspects of tympanomastoid segment of the facial nerve. Materials and Methods: Thirty wet human cadaveric temporal bones were dissected in the temporal bone dissection laboratory in the Department of ENT, Government Medical College, Jammu. The length of the tympanomastoid segment of the facial nerve, its relationship with important bony landmarks, and the presence of any anomaly or variation in its course were studied. Observations and Results: The mean length of the tympanic segment of the facial nerve was 10.44±1.428 mm while that of the mastoid segment was 13.33±2.202 mm. The angle formed between the tympanic and mastoid segments of the facial nerve varied between 95°and 120°with the mean angle being 104.66°±7.760°.