The mechanical behavior of the eardrum has previously been shown to depend critically on its shape, but accurate shape measurements have been difficult to make. Phase-shift moiré topography provides a valuable technique for measuring such shapes, and measurement in the presence of large static pressures facilitates the determination of the boundaries of the pars tensa, pars flaccida, and manubr...

A finite-element model of the cat eardrum is presented which includes the effects of the three-dimensional curved conical shape of the drum. The model is valid at low frequencies (below 1-2 kHz) and within the range of linear vibration amplitudes. The material properties used are based on a review of the literature. The critical material parameters are the stiffness (2 times 10(8) dyn cm(-2)) a...

tympanic membrane is pulled up into the attic by traction caused by 1) epithelial migration and 2) the movement of a mucociliary blanket propelled by ciliary action. The proposal is logical and supported by some experimental evidence that there is evidence epithelial migration of the mucosal side of the pars tensa in an experimental animal. Fig. 1. The distribution of ciliated cells in the huma...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Using a retrospective video evaluation of exclusive endoscopic middle ear procedures, we analyzed the different anatomical and pathological findings between patients with attic disease or cholesteatoma and patients without attic disease. STUDY DESIGN A case-control study based on a retrospective chart review in a tertiary university referral center. METHODS Videos from...

Intramembranous tympanic membrane cholesterol granuloma (CG) occurs infrequently. Here, the authors report a case of CG in the tympanic membrane presenting as a blue eardrum in the right ear. In addition, a pinhole perforation noted in the anterosuperior area revealed a brown discharge. High-resolution temporal bone CT showed a bulging mass shadow in the middle ear and a soft tissue dense lesio...