The retrolabyrinthine approach is classified among the posterior petrosectomies. Its goal to achieve an enlarged mastoidectomy while sparing intrapetrous neurotologic structures in order offer maximal exposure of cerebellopontine angle compound. stages procedure are subsequently skeletonization sigmoid sinus, wide opening mastoid antrum and semicircular canals. We present herein technique, indi...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The abducent nerve is difficult to identify reliably and consistently with conventional radiologic techniques. In this study, a 3D fast asymmetrical spin-echo MR imaging technique was used to obtain detailed images of the abducent nerve in normal volunteers. METHODS The 3D fast asymmetrical spin-echo MR protocol was used to image the abducent nerves in 24 normal volunte...

AIM The petrosphenoidal ligament (PSL, or Gruber's ligament) is located between the petrous apex (PA) and posterior clinoid process (PCP). Details of its anatomy are conflicting in the few studies that exist in the literature. We performed this study to describe in detail the microanatomical characteristics of Gruber's ligament. MATERIAL AND METHODS 20 human cadaveric heads (40 specimens) wer...

Knowledge of the pathological diagnosis before deciding the best strategy for treating parasellar lesions is of prime importance, due to the relative high morbidity and side-effects of open direct approaches to this region, known to be rich in important vasculo-nervous structures. When imaging is not evocative enough to ascertain an accurate pathological diagnosis, a percutaneous biopsy through...

The surgical anatomy of the petrous bone is difficult to learn and to imagine due to the porous structure. Obviously the surgeon's training is based on cadaver dissections as we are still lacking good, versatile models of the temporal bone and its important structures. The clearly visible, rapid development of computer science provides us with new possibilities that should be immediately engage...