A patient with chronic otitis media develops a defect in the posterior superior quadrant of the tympanic membrane exposing the area between the malleus handle and the posterior tympanic wall. This region corresponds to which anatomical space?

• A Epitympanum (attic)
• B Hypotympanum
• C Sinus tympani
• D Prussak's space ✓

Explanation

Prussak's space is the lateral epitympanic recess bounded superiorly by the lateral malleolar fold, inferiorly by the lateral process of the malleus, medially by the malleolar neck, and laterally by the pars flaccida of the tympanic membrane. It is the most common site of acquired cholesteatoma formation because the pars flaccida (Shrapnell's membrane) is unsupported by the fibrous annulus and can retract into this space. The sinus tympani is a posterior recess near the stapes, and the hypotympanum is inferior.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.