The facial recess (posterior tympanotomy) approached during canal wall up mastoidectomy is anatomically bounded by which structures?

• A Chorda tympani medially, facial nerve laterally, annulus inferiorly
• B Sigmoid sinus posteriorly, tegmen superiorly, facial nerve inferiorly
• C Facial nerve medially, chorda tympani laterally, incus short process superiorly ✓
• D Sinus tympani medially, pyramidal eminence laterally, stapes superiorly

Explanation

The facial recess is a triangular corridor bounded medially by the descending (mastoid) segment of the facial nerve, laterally by the chorda tympani nerve, and superiorly by the short process of the incus at the incus buttress. Opening it provides access to the round window and mesotympanum while preserving the posterior canal wall. The sinus tympani lies medial to the facial nerve and cannot be reached through this corridor.

Reference: Glasscock-Shambaugh Surgery of the Ear, 7th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.