The middle cranial fossa approach to the internal auditory canal — An anatomical study stressing critical distances between surgical landmarks

The middle cranial fossa approach to the structures within the temporal bone has been a significant addition to the otologist’s operative repertoire. Using modern operative techniques, the surgery can be performed without necessarily compromising auditory, vestibular or facial nerve function. However, the successful exposure of the contents of the internal auditory canal and petrous apex requires both a thorough understanding of the region’s surgical anatomy as well as the application of meticulous operative skill.