Surgical anatomy of the temporal bone posterior to the internal auditory canal: an operative approach.

The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical limits of a wedge shaped area of bone lying posterior to the internal auditory canal and to describe the anatomical structures which course through it. One hundred consecutive temporal bones were dissected and topographical dimensions of the posterior wall of the temporal bone were measured along with depth measurements from the posterior fossa wall to the structures of the fundus of the internal auditory canal. A microsurgical technique was then described using the structures within this area as landmarks for specific dissection to the posterior and lateral aspects of the internal auditory canal. Results of 19 tumors have been presented. The status of the facial nerve at the end of surgery and whether or not total tumor removal was possible were discussed.