Radiological Classification of the Facial Nerve

Cortical mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy is a classic approach for cochlear implant. Intimate knowledge of the relevant surgical anatomy of the temporal bone and facial recess is important to safely perform the posterior tympanotomy. Anatomical variation of facial nerve such as lateral or anterior position of vertical segment of facial nerve, will render this approach challenging. In this research, investigators proposed a Radiological Classification system of the position of vertical segment of facial nerve in relation to the lateral semicircular canal to predict difficult cases with narrow facial recess.