Tympanoplasty in children and anatomical variations of the epipharynx.

Short-term results or post-operative check-ups after tympanoplasties in children and adults are compared. There is no higher incidence of recurrent perforations in children. The distribution of air cells in adults and children does not vary, indicating that anatomic variations, rather than disease, are responsible for the sclerosis in the mastoid. Anatomic variations of the epipharynx might influence ventilation. Correlations between the width of the epipharynx and the distance between molars and premolars are shown, as is an inverse relation between the height of the palate and the height of the septum. These observations might be important for a prognosis in patients with ear disease.