A Cadaveric Study of Anatomical and Radiological Correlation of Mastoid Air Cells System in Relation to its Morphology.

A cadaveric study to know the anatomical and radiological correlation between the mastoid air cell system in relation to its volume and morphology. This is a rare and one of its kind of cadaveric study on temporal bone in which comparison of pre dissection and post cortical mastoidectomy dissection on x-ray mastoid in relation to their dimensions. To study the anatomical and radiological correlation of mastoid air cell system in relation to its morphology using pre and post dissection x-ray measurements and dissection method. 30 adult cadaveric, temporal bone cortical mastoidectomy dissections were performed and X-ray mastoid with a pre and post mastoid dissection measurements using vernier caliper was done. Further 3-D analysis of volume of mastoid cavity compared with a post dissection digital radiographic measurements was carried out. On statistical analysis, mean surface area of MACS, shortest length between sigmoidsinus and posterior wall of EAC, also shortest distance between dural plate and mastoid tip, in pre and post dissection x-ray mastoid and in direct mastoid cavity measurements were not found to be significant. Mastoidectomy being the treatment of choice in day to day practise in many cases this study hopes to add up to the present understanding for the MACS dynamics and assesses the possible anatomical variations that can exist. This study helps us to find the approximate time required for surgery to perform cortical mastoidectomy.