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

Abstract

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 investi- gating 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.