The Endoscopic Relationship of the Stapedius Muscle to the Facial Nerve: Implications for Retrotympanic Surgery

Abstract

The pyramidal eminence and stapedius muscle have a relatively constant relationship to the facial nerve. Removal of the stapedius muscle in the human cadaver model increases the exposure of the sinus tympani and subpyramidal space. Increased visualization in this region, may reduce risk of residual cholesteatoma in patients.