Correlation between temporal bone pneumatization, location of lateral sinus and length of the mastoid process.

The relationship between temporal bone pneumatization and the location of the lateral sinus and length of the mastoid process was investigated in 60 fresh frozen adult temporal bones, by plain X-rays, computed tomography and surgical dissection including otomicroscopic findings. Temporal bone pneumatization was classified as small, moderate and large. After drilling, the shortest distances between the middle fossa dura and mastoid tip representing the mastoid length and between the sigmoid sinus and posterior border of external auditory canal were measured and compared to the degree of pneumatization.