Applied anatomy of facial recess for cochlear implantation in children

Objective: To define facial recess with morphometry of the adjacent structures so as to provide theoretical foundation for middle ear operation and cochlear implantation. Methods: Microanatomical study was carried out on 28 sides of baby head with observing and measuring facial recess and adjacent structures under operation microscope, through posterior tympanum approach entering posterior tympanum. Results: Through the facial recess approach, the pyramidal eminence , canal of facial nerve, incudostapedial joint, base of stapes, cochleariform process, round window niche and promontorium tympani were all visible from different directions. The length of facial nerve in the perpendicular paragraph was about (10.58±1.20) mm, the length from facia nerve to the surface of mamillary process in the plane of facial nerve and round window niche, from facial nerve in the eminentia papillaris to chorda tympani nerve, from horizontal semicircular canal to the plane of facial nerve paragraph, and from chorda tympani nerve to foramen stylomastoideum were (11.90±1.80) mm, (3.79±0.45) mm, (1.94±0.43) mm and (5.14±0.80) mm respectively. Conclusions: The differences of facial recess between baby and adult of the anatomic data of facial recess provide reference for avoidance of facial nerve injury during the operation of cochlear implantation in young children.