Symposium: Methods of reconstruction in tympanoplasty. III. The anterior canal wall bulge: indications and techniques for removal.
The bulge of the osseous anterior canal wall frequently prevents visualization not only of the margins of the perforation but also of the pathologic changes in the middle ear. In such instances, removal of this bone is absolutely necessary. In other instances, removal of the bulge facilitates both the surgical procedure and postoperative care. While the skin over the bulge may be sacrificed, it is preferable to preserve the skin by creating either a laterally or medially based flap. This provides access to the bone which is removed with motor driven burrs. The techniques are essentially the same whether the approach is through the canal or from behind the ear.
D004424:Ear Canal / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D014433:Tympanoplasty / Q000379:methods*