Study of foramen tympanicum with its clinical implications in North Indian Crania

• Author Details:   
• Shailendra Singh
• Prerna Gupta
• Muktyaz Hussein
• Pankaj Singh
• Abhishek Bahadur Singh

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Introduction: 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.
Methods: The current study was done on 100 dry adult north Indian crania to study the incidence, sex, sides and shape of foramen tympanicum.
Results: 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.
Conclusions: 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.

Keywords: Foramen Tympanicum, Crania, Otological complications, External auditory canal, Temporomandibular joint