Comparison of fetal and adult tympanic membrane sizes: a cadaveric study

Abstract

Objective The work aimed to compare fetal and adult tympanic membrane (TM) sizes for understanding dimensional development from intrauterine life to adulthood. Methods Fifty-six temporal bones (18 fetuses, 10 elderly adults, half male and half female in each group) were included in this study. Using a digital image software, the TM height, width and area were measured. Results The mean area, height and width of the TM in adults were found as 58.84 +/- 22.01 mm(2), 9.06 +/- 1.33 mm, and 8.10 +/- 1.43 mm, respectively. Moreover, the mean area, height and width of the TM in fetuses were measured as 47.62 +/- 12.57 mm(2), 8.22 +/- 1.12 mm, and 7.25 +/- 1.15 mm, respectively. The TM dimensions were increasing in fetuses between 20-32 weeks of gestation. However, the TM dimension was statistically similar at the 7th month, the 8th month and adult periods. The TM height was greater than its width in fetuses and adults. Conclusion The calculated regression equations of the TM parameters in fetuses may be used to estimate its size. The TM size did not change from the 7th gestational month, and thus the membrane reached adult diameter in fetal life. The TM height and width showed a very wide range; therefore, we thought that the 12 mm (the height) x 10 mm (the width) graft might be ideal dimension during the repair of the TM perforations.