1Lecturer, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
2Assistant Professor, Integral Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
3Assistant Professor, Govt. Medical College, Badaun
4Tutor, Saraswati Medical College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
5Assistant Professor, Dept. of ENT, King's George Medical College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
*Corresponding Author: Prerna Gupta, Assistant Professor, Integral Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Email: dr.prerna2009@gmail.com
Online published on 25 May, 2017.
The foramen tympanicum also known as foramen Huschke is present in the anteroinferior wall of external auditory canal after 5 years of age. It has anatomical significance and in adult life it can be involved in different abnormalities of external auditory canal and various Otological complications ranging from salivary otorrhoea to temporomandibular joint herniation.
The current study was done on 100 dry adult north Indian crania to study the incidence, sex, sides and shape of foramen tympanicum.
Out of 100 skulls studied foramen tympanicum was observed in 18 skulls (26 sides). The incidence of foramen tympanicum was found in 13% skulls and it was more in females as compared to males. The most common shape of foramen was found to be irregular.
The ENT as well as maxillofacial surgeons should be aware of persistent foramen tympanicum and should be careful while performing endoscopy of temporomandibular joint to prevent its accidental damage.
Foramen Tympanicum, Crania, Otological complications, External auditory canal, Temporomandibular joint
