The aim of this paper was to present micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) high resolution images of the fundus of internal acoustic meatus (FIAM) (Folia Morphol 2015; 74, 3: 352-358)

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PurposeTo depict the anatomy of the tympanic segment of the facial canal using a 3D visualization technique, to detect dehiscences, and to evaluate their frequency, location, shape, and size.MethodsResearch included 36 human temporal bones (18 infant and 18 adult samples) which were scanned using a Nanotom 180N device. The final resolution of the reconstructed object was 18 µm. Obtained micro-CT data were subsequently processed by the volume rendering software.ResultsThe micro-CT study allowed for the 3D visualization of the tympanic segment of the facial canal and detects dehiscences in the studied material in both infants and adults. Most of the dehiscences (66.7 %) involved the inferior wall of the tympanic segment in infants as well as in adults, and were located above and backward to the oval window. The most frequent dehiscence shape was elliptic (66.7 % in infants; 50 % in adults). Furthermore, we observed dehiscences of fusiform and trapezoidal shape in infants. Length of the dehiscences in most cases ranged from 0.5 to 1.4 mm (50 % in infants; 75 % in adults).ConclusionsVolumetric reconstructions demonstrated the course of the tympanic segment of the facial canal and its relationship with the tympanic cavity. Knowledge about the size and location of any dehiscence within the tympanic segment of the facial canal is necessary due to the surgical significance of this region. If a dehiscence occurs, there is an increased risk of injury to the facial nerve during the operations or spread of inflammation from the middle ear.

This article highlights the utility of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT (Folia Morphol 2014; 73, 4: 422-428)

Beyond demonstrating oval window size and shape variation, the results of this report will aid in identifying patients among whom anatomical variation may contribute to surgical difficulty and surgeon discomfort, or otherwise warrant preoperative adaptations for the incorporation of materials into and around the oval window.

The current study shows in a close-up view (Folia Morphol 2013; 72, 4: 357-361)

This article has been peer reviewed and published immediately upon acceptance.It is an open access article, which means that it can be downloaded, printed, and distributed freely, provided the work is properly cited. Articles in "Folia Morphologica" are listed in PubMed.