Morphometry of human ear ossicles

Abstract

Background and Aim: Congenital anomalies and malformations of ear ossicles will cause hearing problems. Most commonly they will be either the absence of long process of incus or capitulum of stapes. The basic knowledge on variations of the ear ossicles and its morphometric data will help the otologist for performing reconstructive surgery and it also provides necessary information for the prosthesis designers. This study aimed to study and analyze the morphometric and morphological features of ear ossicles with correlation on both sides from wet and dry specimens. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 sets of human ear ossicles were collected from both cadavers and as well from dry skulls in the Department of Anatomy, VMKV Medical College and Hospital, Salem. A good-quality photograph was taken, and the image was transferred to the computer and magnified. The measuring tool was used, and all the morphometry parameters were recorded and analyzed. Results: The ear ossicles morphometry of the right and left were analyzed and compared. Morphological variations were noted, and morphometric variations (length and width) were also analyzed. Conclusion: The knowledge of variations of these ossicles and its morphometric data will help the otologist during reconstructive surgery and provide necessary information for the prosthesis designer.

Keywords

• capitulum
• congenital malformations
• ear ossicles
• incus
• malleus
• otologist
• prosthetic designer
• reconstructive surgery
• stapes