Evaluation of superior semicircular canal bony roof morphology and adjacent pneumatization patterns in children using cone beam computed tomography: a retrospective study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the distribution of radiological patterns of the superior semicircular canal (SSC) bony roof and adjacent pneumatization in the pediatric population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and examined their relationship with age and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of a total of 125 patients aged 4-17 years were included in the study. Radiological patterns of the SSC bony roof and adjacent pneumatization were classified as normal, papyraceous, thick, pneumatized, and dehiscent types. Cases showing both pneumatization and dehiscent-like findings were evaluated as a separate subcategory (pneumatized + dehiscent) due to overlapping features. Patients were classified into three groups based on age: 4-8, 9-13, and 14-17. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used where appropriate, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The normal pattern was the most commonly observed radiological pattern on both the right and left sides, followed by the papyraceous and pneumatized patterns. No statistically significant relationship was found between SSC bony roof morphology and age groups, gender, or side. The pneumatized + dehiscent pattern was rare. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective CBCT study, the normal SSC bony roof morphology was the most common in pediatric patients, followed by the papyraceous and pneumatized patterns. No statistically significant association was observed between SSC bony roof morphology and age group, gender, or side in this sample. Further prospective studies with clinical and audiovestibular correlation are needed.
Source: BMC Oral Health
Institution: Harran University
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W7170046335