[Value of cone-beam computer tomography in the middle and inner ear observation].

Objective

To identified the feasibility and normal range of cone beam computer tomography（CBCT） in the measurement of temporal bone.

Methods

15 formalin fixed human cadaver head specimens were scanned by CBCT, high resolution CT, and Micro CT, respectively. Morphological parameter measurements of the middle and inner ear structures including ossicular chain, cochlea, semicircular canal and facial nerve were performed, and the results measured by the three scanning methods were compared.

Results

None of the parameters measured by the three scanning methods were statistically significant except the thickness of stapes footplate（P<0.01） and the diameter of cochlear basal turn（P<0.01）. CBCT was superior in detecting facial nerve bony canal dehiscence.

Conclusion

CBCT has the advantages of short scanning time, low radiation dose and high resolution. It can accurately display the morphological characteristics of the temporal bone structures, and is a reliable evaluation method for otological surgery.