Locating the scala media in the fixed human temporal bone for therapeutic access: a preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the location of the scala media in relation to the round window niche in human temporal bones.


METHODS
Ten human temporal bones were investigated by radical mastoidectomy and promontory drill-out.


METHODS
Temporal bone laboratory.


METHODS
The distance from the scala media to the anterior edge of the round window niche, measured by Fisch's stapedectomy measuring cylinders.


RESULTS
The scala media was identified at the transection point of a vertical line 1.6 to 2.2 mm (mean=1.8 mm; standard deviation=0.2) anterior to the anterior edge of the round window niche and a horizontal line 0.2 mm inferior to the lower border of the oval window.


CONCLUSIONS
This report demonstrates the point of entry into the scala media via the promontory in fixed temporal bone models, which may provide a site of entry for stem cells and gene therapy insertion.
Pau
H
H
Ellison-Cliffe Fellowship, Royal Society of Medicine, London, UK. henry.pau@clara.co.uk
Fagan
P
P
Oleskevich
S
S
D003053:Cochlear Duct / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D010046:Oval Window, Ear / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D012405:Round Window, Ear / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology*