1. Soft Tissue Landmarks

2. Surface Anatomy

a. Thin Posterior EAC

3. Cortical Mastoidectomy

4. Facial Nerve Identification

5. Digastric Ridge

6. Tegmen Exposure

a. Remove Posterior Fossa Bone

b. Endolymphatic Sac Identification

c. Opening the Sac

7. Endolymphatic Sac

8. Facial Recess Dissection

a. Incus Removal

9. Middle Ear Anatomy

10. Labyrinthectomy

11. Internal Auditory Canal (IAC)

Temporal bone dissections are a critical learning tool for otologic/neurotologic surgery. The “Temporal Bone Dissection Manual” from the House Institute has long served as a ‘gold standard’ for the stepwise demonstration of this process. In this video, a progressive step-by-step dissection of the temporal bone is performed. Key anatomical structures and landmarks and outlined, and their physiological importance in the context of different otologic pathologies is explained. The procedure begins with the identification of soft tissue landmarks and surface anatomy before delving into cortical mastoidectomy and facial nerve identification. The mastoid tip region is discussed, before moving on to describe the tegmen and endolymphatic sac. A facial recess dissection is performed and middle ear anatomy is explained. A labyrinthectomy and exposure of the internal auditory canal conclude the dissection. In addition to going over the anatomy of the temporal bone dissection, a discussion of how to execute these procedures safely and efficiently is conducted.

By having a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the temporal bone, medical students, residents, and fellows are better able to understand the reasoning behind different otologic procedures and how they can be used to treat patients. This demonstration was created to inform and teach residents and medical students about temporal bone anatomy. 

Watch this video of Dr. Scott Brown, neurotology fellow at the University of Miami, performing a step-by-step dissection of the temporal bone, outlining key anatomical structures, and describing safe and efficient techniques for these procedures.

DOI
Publication Date	N/A
Article ID	314
Production ID	0314
Volume	N/A
Issue	314
https://doi.org/10.24296/jomi/314

Temporal Bone Dissection (Cadaver)

Procedure Outline

Table of Contents