MULTIPLANAR ANGULATED 2D-RECONSTRUCTION - A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR IMAGINGTHE FACIAL-NERVE CANAL

For imaging the facial canal in its tympanic and mastoid segments, a n ew technique was developed with high-resolution computed tomography (H RCT). This method is based on comparative anatomical studies and makes it possible to depict the course of the facial canal, especially in m alformations of the middle ear and in cases of fractures, tumors and c holesteatomas. A longitudinal scan of the petrous part of the temporal bone is obtained by reconstruction based on primary axial CT-standard s. In these longitudinal scans the facial canal is shown both in its t ympanic and mastoidal segment. For longitudinal reconstruction the sca n is orientated through the anterior margin of the carotid canal and p etrous pyramid. For evaluating the facial canal in this study, the lat eral semicircular canal and stylomastoid foramen are sure landmarks. T he sensitivity for evaluating the tympanic segment of the facial canal is 100%. This new technique should be applied in cases in which the e xact course of the facial canal must be known preoperatively.