A new technique for the study of temporal bone pathology.

A new technique for the study of the temporal bone at autopsy is presented in which thin slices of the fixed bone are prepared on a special cutting machine which preserves the configuration of the delicate anatomical structures. Selected areas are then processed for light microscopy. There is thus opportunity for gross examination, only a short period for immersion in acid for decalcification if required, and special histological procedures may also be carried out. The method is quick and technically easier than serial sectioning and storage of the smaller numbers of sections from each case is less of a problem. Temporal bones which have been perfused through the perilymph within 3 h of death may also be cut in the same way in order to allow removal of samples of membranous labyrinth for surface preparation or electron microscopy, avoiding the need for drilling to reach the membranous labyrinth, and being quicker and less damaging.