Facial Recess Relations

The aim of this study is to describe the relations of the facial recess (FR) to the other retrotympanic recesses, the sinus tympani (ST), the posterior tympanic sinus (PTS) and the lateral tympanic sinus (LTS) and to the mastoid segment of the facial nerve (FN), and stapedius muscle (STM). Also, is to describe the relations of the four retrotympanic recesses to each other. This would be based on the otoendoscopic, surgical microscopic and radiologic anatomy and in relation to the development and pneumatization theories. In addition, to evaluate the facial recess (FR) and the other retrotympanic recesses possible surgical approaches. Material and Methods The gross anatomy and anatomical variations of posterior mesotympanum and retrotympanic areas including the facial recess (FR) and the other retrotympanic recesses were studied in 55 Fresh frozen temporal bones (TBs). To the best of our knowledge, all bones came from adult cadavers. There were 31 right temporal bones and 24 left. All bones were dissected by the same approach and all were studied utilizing an operating microscope and otoendoscopes with 0o, 30o and 70o angles and 2.7 and 3 mm diameters. In addition, the recesses anatomy and relations were studied in two hundred temporal bones CT scans (= 400 sides). These scans were randomly chosen reFacial Recess Relations Alaa A. Abou-Bieh, MD