Anatomy of the round window and hook region of the cochlea with implications for cochlear implantation and other endocochlear surgical procedures.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to create a three-dimensional model of the anatomy of the hook region to identify the optimal site for cochleostomy in cochlear implant surgery.


BACKGROUND
The anatomy of the hook region is complex, and spatial relationships can be difficult to evaluate using two-dimensional histological slides or cadaveric temporal bones.


METHODS
The right temporal bone of a 14-year-old adolescent boy was used to create a three-dimensional model. Sections containing the round window membrane (RWM) and surrounding cochlear structures were stained, digitized, and imported into a general purpose three-dimensional rendering and analysis software program (Amira, version 4.1). Three-dimensional models of the RWM, basilar membrane, osseous spiral lamina, spiral ligament, cochlear aqueduct, inferior cochlea vein, scala media, ductus reuniens, scala vestibuli, scala tympani, and surrounding bone were generated. The relationship between these structures and the RWM and adjacent otic capsule was evaluated. Histological sections from a different temporal bone were also analyzed. This temporal bone was sectioned in a plane perpendicular to the axis corresponding to the surgical view of the RWM, seen through the facial recess.


RESULTS
The anteroinferior margin of the RWM or adjacent otic capsule was identified as the site for a cochleostomy that will avoid damage to critical cochlear structures and allow implantation directly into the scala tympani. The model can be downloaded from: https://research.meei.harvard.edu/otopathology/3dmodels.


CONCLUSIONS
This three-dimensional model has implications for surgical procedures to the inner ear that aim to minimize insertional trauma.
Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
Peter M M C
PM
Li
Haobing
H
Wang
Clarinda
C
Northrop
Saumil N
SN
Merchant
Joseph B
JB
Nadol
D000293:Adolescent; D002102:Cadaver; D019929:Cochlear Implantation; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures; D012405:Round Window, Ear / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery