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Analysis of the accuracy of high-resolution computed tomography techniques for the measurement of stapes prostheses

  • Computed Tomography
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Abstract

Purpose

Severe cochleovestibulopathy is a complication after stapes plasty and CT may be needed to assess intravestibular intrusion depth of the stapes piston. The accuracy of modern CT systems in this task has not been established.

Methods

Stapes plasty was performed on six cadaver ears, and Soft CliP titanium pistons were inserted. Specimens were then examined using three different CT systems: single source 64-row, dual source 64-row and flat-panel computed tomography (FD-CT). Piston length, width and intravestibular intrusion were measured by four independent observers. Temporal bone dissection was then performed and vestibular piston intrusion measured microscopically.

Results

Piston dimensions were overestimated by all observers and CT systems. Intravestibular penetration as assessed by CT was consistently greater than the value found on cadaveric anatomical dissection. On average, the CT measurement of width was 0.176 mm (44%) greater, length 0.125 mm (6.25%) greater and intrusion 0.333 mm (39.2%) greater than the anatomical measurements. FD-CT showed better image quality and partly less bias in several measurements, but penetration depth was still variably overestimated.

Conclusion

CT measurement consistently overestimated intravestibular piston dimensions and vestibular intrusion. Modern temporal bone imaging systems are not yet able to depict the stapes piston position with a sufficient degree of accuracy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, FAU Medical School, Waldstrasse 1, 91054, Erlangen, Germany

    Alessandro Bozzato, Victoria Hertel, Heinrich Iro & Joachim Hornung

  2. Department of Neuroradiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, FAU Medical School, Erlangen, Germany

    Tobias Struffert

Authors
  1. Alessandro Bozzato
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  2. Tobias Struffert
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  3. Victoria Hertel
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  4. Heinrich Iro
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  5. Joachim Hornung
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Correspondence to Alessandro Bozzato.

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Bozzato, A., Struffert, T., Hertel, V. et al. Analysis of the accuracy of high-resolution computed tomography techniques for the measurement of stapes prostheses. Eur Radiol 20, 566–571 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-009-1582-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-009-1582-4

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