Correlations of External Landmarks With Internal Structures of the Temporal Bone

Abstract

HYPOTHESIS: The internal anatomy of a temporal bone could be inferred from external landmarks. BACKGROUND: Mastoid surgery is an important skill that ENT surgeons need to acquire. Surgeons commonly use CT scans as a guide to understanding anatomical variations before surgery. Conversely, in cases where CT scans are not available, or in the temporal bone laboratory where residents are usually not provided with CT scans, it would be beneficial if the internal anatomy of a temporal bone could be inferred from external landmarks. METHODS: We explored correlations between internal anatomical variations and metrics established to quantify the position of external landmarks that are commonly expose..