Using the processus cochleariformis as a multipurpose landmark in middle cranial fossa surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that the anatomical structure known as the processus cochleariformis, with its intimate and constant relationships to inner-ear structures, can be used as a reliable landmark during middle cranial fossa surgery, alone or in conjunction with other landmarks.

STUDY DESIGN: An anatomical study using cadaveric temporal bones to define six reproducible measurements that relate the processus cochleariformis to inner-ear structures, and to define 14 other measurements that relate inner-ear structures to adjacent structures within the intact bone.

METHOD: Using 10 cadaver specimens, 20 reproducible measurements were defined. The first six of these defined the relation of the processus cochleariformis to inner-ear structures in the middle cranial fossa approach. The other measurements defined the exact location of the inner-ear structures and adjacent structures within the intact bone.

RESULTS: The vertical crest lies at a 20 degrees angle from the processus cochleariformis to the coronal plane, and at a distance of 5 to 6 mm from the processus cochleariformis. The point at which the medial margin of the basal turn of the cochlea crosses the labyrinthine segment of the facial nerve lies at a 0 degrees angle from the processus cochleariformis to the coronal plane, and at a distance of 6.5 to 7.5 mm from the processus cochleariformis. The superior semicircular canal lies at a 45 degrees angle from the processus cochleariformis to the coronal plane. The other measurements obtained give important clues about the position of the cochlea, vestibulum, greater superficial petrosal nerve and labyrinthine segment of the facial nerve.

CONCLUSIONS: If the classical landmarks are indiscernible during middle cranial fossa surgery, then the processus cochleariformis, with its intimate and constant relationships to inner-ear structures, is a safe and constant landmark.