A study of Morphological and Morphometrical analysis of human Incus

Background: The three minute bones in the middle ear, the malleus, incus and stapes form articulated chain across the tympanic cavity. Sclerosis, ankylosis or any disease of these ossicles cause immobilization and dissociation of the chain leading to impaired hearing. Increasingly otologic surgeons are performing surgeries for deafness like ossicular replacements and ossiculoplasty. A resultant achievement of good hearing following surgery is one of the greatest challenges to the otologists. Successful ossicular repair depends on precise dimensions of implants. Objectives: To study the morphometric measurements and morphological features of Incus and compare the results with other studies. Material and Methods: 50 formalin fixed human temporal bones were dissected to remove incus by dissection method. The bones were photographed and measured using software and weight of individual ossicles were taken and recorded. Results: Incus showed few morphological variations. Conclusion: The knowledge of variations of the ossicles and its morphometric data will help the otologist during reconstructive surgery and provide necessary information for the prosthesis designer