CT Evaluation Of Greater Superficial Petrosal Nerve Canal And Structures Around

Objective:To investigate the use of CT depiction of greater superficial petrosal nerve canal (GSPNC) and the structures around in evaluation of middle fossa approach surgery.Methods:This study included prospectively79continuous patients without any structural abnormalities of inner ear, anamnesis of head trauma or surgical history of temporal bone undergoing CT scan for other reasons between August and December2011at our institute. Relative relationships of the main structures were depicted on CT images using MPR and obtained value in measurement of the main diameters were analyzed by SPSS16.0.Results:Mean distance between spinous foramen and hiatus of great superficial petrosal nerve (GSPN) was10.6±1.92mm (6.9～15.7mm). Mean length of GSPNC was2.8±2.4mm(0～15.7mm). Mean thickness of bone covering geniculate ganglion was2.0±1.7mm (0～7.4mm). Significant difference existed in the bony thickness covering geniculate ganglion between left and right side. There was no significant difference in the other diameters between left and right side.Conclusion:Temporal bone CT with high resolution has the ability to depict bony structures and their relative relationship of temporal bone. Conduction of pre-operational CT examination for the patients who are going to undergo surgery utilizing middle cranial fossa approach is helpful in selection of individualized surgical planning.