Phenotypical variability of the sigmoid sinus in translabyrinthine and retrosigmoid surgeries

Abstract

Introduction We hypothesized that the cranial phenotype influences the shape of the posterior cranial fossa and the relative position of the sigmoid sinus. Materials and methods The topography of the sigmoid sinus was studied on 26 magnetic resonance venograms and 35 embalmed cadavers by morphometric analysis, dissection, and photo modeling techniques. Results The data show that the transverse diameter of the posterior cranial fossa correlates positively with the laterolateral diameter of the skull. The majority of cases with the low-anterior position of the sigmoid sinus were recorded in the brachycephalic group (82%), while the high-posterior localization of the sigmoid sinus was typical for the dolichocephalic patients (63%). The results of the ANOVA test confirm the significance of differences. Conclusions The shape of the skull reflects the morphology of the posterior cranial fossa and influences the topographic characteristics of the sigmoid sinus that must be considered in the selection of surgical approach to the inner ear and pontocerebellar angle.