"The external ear canal is incompletely formed at birth, and further post-natal development results in two prominences (anterior and posterior) growing towards each other to form the EAC inferiorly. Lack of fusion of the anterior and posterior prominences with each other results in a persistent gap, the foramen tympanicum 6. Of note, the foramen tympanicum can close at up to 5 years of age, and hence it should only be diagnosed after this age 1."
"It was described by Emil Huschke (1797-1858), a German anatomist and embryologist in 1844; however following the Stigler law of eponymy the first description was by Jean Riolan the Younger, a French physician in 1648, almost two centuries earlier 10!"
"The foramen tympanicum is usually an incidental finding and does not need treatment in most cases. However, its presence should be sought if a patient presents with persistent ear discharge. Surgical treatment to obliterate the space between the EAC and TMJ is usually successful 8, and any other unusual specific pathology can be addressed at the time, e.g. parotid duct fistula, or herniation of TMJ synovium 9."
Expected headings
"Gross anatomy"
"Development"
"It was described by Emil Huschke (1797-1858), a German anatomist and embryologist in 1844; however following the Stigler law of eponymy the first description was by Jean Riolan the Younger, a French physician in 1648, almost two centuries earlier 10!"