The Journal of Laryngology & Otology

Table of Contents - 2006 - Volume 120, Issue 05  


Clinical Records

A bifid intra-tympanic facial nerve in association with a normal stapes

J Ahmed a1 , P Chatrath a1 and J Harcourt a1
a1 Department of Otolaryngology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK

Article author query
ahmed j   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
chatrath p   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
harcourt j   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 

Abstract

A rare facial nerve anomaly was incidentally discovered whilst performing a tympanoplasty and ossicular reconstruction on a patient with an acquired unilateral conductive hearing loss. The nerve was seen to bifurcate and straddle a normal stapes superstructure as it ran posteriorly through the middle ear, a unique and as yet unreported combination. This case highlights the importance of vigilance regarding facial nerve anatomical variations encountered during middle-ear surgery thus avoiding inadvertent damage. The purported embryological mechanism responsible for such anomalies of the intra-tympanic facial nerve is discussed.

(Accepted October 25 2005)


Key Words: Facial Nerve, Abnormalities, Ear, Middle; Oval Window; Otological Surgical Procedures.

Correspondence:
c1 Address for correspondence: J Ahmed, 17 Nelson Street, London E1 2DL, UK. E-mail: jayahmed11@hotmail.com

Related Content