Anatomic characteristics of children's petrous bone

Objective: To learn the anatomic difference of petrous bone between children and adults and provide anatomic basis for operation through children's petrous bone.Methods: Eight children and six adults skull specimens were disected. The bony landmarks of petrous bone of them were measured. The facial nerve's route and semicircular canal's position in child were compared with that in adult. Results: Child's air cells were less than adult's. 65% child's posterior semicircular canals were at the lever of half point of vertical segment of facial nerve. Child's petrous vertical length and vertical segment of facial nerve were shorter than adult's. Conclusion: Child's petrous bone is different from adults.During operation the difference must be considered.