Work

Persistent foramen of Huschke (foramen tympanicum): Morphology, morphometry, developmental persistence, and imaging characteristics – A scoping review

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background The persistent foramen of Huschke (foramen tympanicum) is a developmental osseous opening of the tympanic plate that may provide a communication between the external auditory canal and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region. Focal tympanic-plate thinning and acquired dehiscence can resemble a persistent foramen radiologically but represent distinct morphologic categories. Objective To map developmental persistence, morphology, morphometry, demographic patterns, imaging features, and clinical associations of the persistent foramen of Huschke. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE was searched from database inception (without a lower publication-year limit) to 16 September 2026; OpenAlex/Crossref metadata, journal and publisher websites, and bidirectional citation tracking provided supplementary discovery. Eligible human osteological and cross-sectional imaging studies were charted descriptively by sampling frame and analytic unit; pooling was not undertaken because study populations and ascertainment methods differed. Results Forty-four primary studies were included (13 osteological/developmental and 31 imaging studies). Reported frequencies ranged from 0.7% in an early anatomical series to approximately 38% in selected skull collections; estimates from TMD and necrotizing external otitis cohorts were analyzed separately from routine imaging cohorts. Most imaged patent defects were oval and approximately 1–4 mm. Sex and laterality findings varied. Cross-sectional age associations do not demonstrate closure, enlargement, or progression within individuals. Conclusion A patent developmental foramen, intact focal tympanic-plate thinning, and acquired osseous dehiscence require separate characterization. Standardized morphology, acquisition reporting, and explicit individual- and side-level denominators will improve future anatomical and imaging comparisons.

Source: Translational Research in Anatomy

DOI: 10.1016/j.tria.2026.100533

Authors: Santosh R. Patil, Mohmed Isaqali Karobari

Institution: Saveetha University

Language: English

Topic: Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies

Subfield: Archeology (arts and humanities)

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,470