Anterior epitympanic recess volume and Cog process length in temporal bones with Körner's septum: A radio- anatomical investigation.

OBJECTIVE

Körner's septum is a dense bony lamina dividing the mastoid cavity into superficial squamous and deeper petrosal portions at the level of antrum. In this study, we aimed at investigating the association of the Körner's septum with the length of the Cog process and the volume of anterior epitympanic recess (AER), using the 3-dimensional reconstruction models based on high resolution computed tomography sections of the temporal bone.

METHODS

Using OsiriX software for MacOS (version 3.8.1, Pixmeo), we measured the volumes from three- dimensional models of anterior epitympanic recess. Anterior epitympanic recess volumes and Cog process lengths of the temporal bones with and without Körner's septum were compared.

RESULTS

Cog process length was significantly higher, and AER volume was significantly lower in patients with Körner's septum compared to the patients without. (p < 0.001). Additionally, Cog process length was significantly (p = 0.008), negatively, but weakly (rho= -0.24) correlated with AER volume.

CONCLUSION

Temporal bones with Körner's septum had a longer Cog process and a smaller AER.