title: Lateral endoscopic approach to epitympanic diaphragm and Prussak's space: a dissection study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Until now, anatomic descriptions of the epitympanic diaphragm and Prussak's space have been performed using a microscope. The aim of this study is to thoroughly describe and review the epitympanic diaphragm and the anatomy of Prussak's space from an endoscopic point of view.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cadaver dissection study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary referral university center.
  
  
  METHODS
  The anatomy of four temporal bones dissected using an endoscope was studied. The most important findings were noted and described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Endoscopic cadaveric dissection of the middle ear allows a very good visualization of the epitympanic diaphragm, Prussak's space and middle ear anatomy in general.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endoscopic exploration and thorough knowledge of the complex fold anatomy may improve 'functional' interventions in middle ear inflammatory pathology during middle ear surgery, particularly in the case of selective dysventilation.
authors.affiliation: Otolaryngology Department, University Hospital of Modena, Via Del Pozzo 41, 41100, Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Marchioni
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alicandri-Ciufelli
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grammatica
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mattioli
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Genovese
authors.forename: Livio
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Presutti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004210:Dissection; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans