During posterior tympanotomy (facial recess approach) for cochlear implantation, the surgeon drills a window into the middle ear. Which structures form the boundaries of the facial recess?

• A Facial nerve medially, chorda tympani laterally, incus buttress superiorly ✓
• B Sigmoid sinus posteriorly, tegmen superiorly, digastric ridge inferiorly
• C Facial nerve laterally, chorda tympani medially, promontory anteriorly
• D Incus short process superiorly, lateral semicircular canal medially, sinus tympani inferiorly

Explanation

The facial recess is bounded medially by the vertical (mastoid) segment of the facial nerve, laterally by the chorda tympani nerve, and superiorly by the incus buttress (short process of incus). Its depth is roughly 2 mm at the level of the pyramidal turn. Option B describes cortical mastoidectomy limits, and option D describes landmarks of the antrum rather than the recess.

Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.