Search for: [Abstract = "The facial canal and the oval window are the structures of high interest for otosurgery. These structures are significant landmarks during surgical operations inside the middle ear.The oval windows and the dehiscences of the tympanic segment of the facial canal were the subject of the morphological analysis. Standard measurements of the oval windows and dehiscences of the tympanic segment of the facial canal were performed. Moreover, geometric morphometric analysis was applied to assess variability of the oval windows, and the factors affecting their shape and size. Performed micro\-CT studies of the facial canal confirmed relatively high occurrence of the dehiscence in the wall of the tympanic segment. Microtomography imaging allowed to differentiate the original dehiscenses from the local thinning of the wall of the facial canal, probably resulted from poor mineralization. Results of the standard morphometric analysis of the oval windows revealed, that there are no significant differences in their size depending on the sex, age or examined side. In turn, results of the geometric morphometric analysis revealed that shape of the oval window is significantly different in fetal\/infant, child and adult groups. These results may be useful in the planning of otosurgical procedures."]
