Endoscopic Anatomy of the Chorda Tympani: Systematic Dissection, Novel Anatomic Classification, and Surgical Implications.

Molinari, Giulia; Yacoub, Abraam; Alicandri-Ciufelli, Matteo; Monzani, Daniele; Presutti, Livio; Caversaccio, Marco; Anschuetz, Lukas (2021). Endoscopic Anatomy of the Chorda Tympani: Systematic Dissection, Novel Anatomic Classification, and Surgical Implications. Otology & neurotology, 42(7), e958-e966. Wolters Kluwer 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003143

Text Endoscopic_Anatomy_of_the_Chorda_Tympani_.43.pdf - Published Version Restricted to registered users only Available under License Publisher holds Copyright. Download (747kB)

HYPOTHESIS

A transcanal endoscopic approach enables visualization of the variable course of the chorda tympani inside the middle ear.

BACKGROUND

The chorda tympani is the longest intrapetrous branch of the facial nerve. Despite having been investigated in several studies, a description of its tympanic tract from an endoscopic point of view is lacking in the literature.

METHODS

We performed transcanal endoscopic dissections of 44 human cadaveric head and ear specimens. The entry point of the chorda tympani into the middle ear was classified into four categories according to its location, and as covered or dehiscent according to its appearance. The chordal eminence (CE) was defined as absent, shallow, intermediate, prominent, or fused, based on its shape and extension. The relationship of the chorda tympani to adjacent bony and ligamental structures was assessed.

RESULTS

The tympanic tract of the chorda tympani was divided into three portions. The periannular segment was dehiscent in 54.5% of specimens, with type II being the most frequent entry point configuration (52.3%). In the interossicular segment, the nerve consistently passed lateral to the incus and medial to the malleus. The course of the intrapetrous segment was independent from the conformation of the tensor fold and supratubal recess.

CONCLUSION

The transcanal endoscopic approach allows a detailed description of tympanic segment of the chorda tympani. Novel anatomic classifications of the chorda tympani and CE are proposed herein to highlight their possible surgical implications during otologic procedures.

Interest & Impact

Downloads

1 since deposited on 24 Jan 2022
0 in the past 12 months

Citations

5 Citations in Web of Science ®
6 Citations in Scopus

Search

in Google Scholar™

Services

Actions (login required)

Edit item

Actions (login required)

Edit item