High Resolution Computed Tomography Atlas of the Porcine Temporal Bone and Skull Base: Anatomical Correlates for Traumatic Brain Injury Research

Renata M. Knoll, Katherine L. Reinshagen, Samuel R. Barber, Iman Ghanad, Randel Swanson, Douglas H. Smith, Kalil G. Abdullah, David H. Jung, Aaron K. Remenschneider, Elliott D. Kozin

Head injuries are a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Auditory and vestibular dysfunction may occur following trauma to the temporal bone (TB), including the lateral skull base. The porcine model is a commonly-used large animal model to investigate head injury. Reports detailing porcine TB anatomy based on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging, however, are limited. Herein, we employ HRCT to evaluate and describe the bony anatomy of the porcine TB and skull base. High-resolution multidetector and cone beam computed tomography (CT) were used to image porcine TBs (n=16). TBs were analyzed for major anatomic structures. Porcine temporal bone anatomy was readily identifiable by HRCT. While some variability exists, the ossicular chain, vestibule, cochlea, course of the facial nerve, and skull base are similar to humans. Major differences included position of the external auditory canal and mastoid, as well as presence of the petrous carotid canal. Findings may serve as an atlas to evaluate the porcine middle and inner ear, as well as lateral skull base injuries for future porcine head injury models or other studies that require CT-based analysis.