Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to create a 3-dimensional anatomy of the round window to hook region to identify the optimal site for cochleostomy in cochlear implantation and other endocochlear surgical procedures.
Method: Ten normal ears were studied. To develop 3-dimensional reconstructed inner ear image based on high-resolution temporal bone images obtained by a spiral CT. The axial data were applied to create 3-dimensional images on the CT work station for post-processing with the use of current workstation software (GE Advantage Navigation).
Results: The anatomy of the round window to hook region is complex, and spatial relationships can be difficult to evaluate using 2-dimensional CT images. Three-dimensional models of the round window membrane (RWM), cochlear duct, scala vestibule, scala tympani, ductus reuniens, and surrounding structures were generated. The relationship between these structures and the round window membrane (RWM) and adjacent otic capsule was easily identified.
Conclusion: This 3-dimensional model has implications for surgical procedures to the inner ear that aim to minimize insertional trauma and decrease operation time. We can know the anatomic information before cochlear implant.
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