The aim of this study was to evaluate the tympanic bulla morphology after ventral or lateral osteotomy. Forty adult dogs were distributed in 2 groups: group A was submitted to ventral tympanic bulla osteotomy, and group B was submitted to lateral tympanic bulla osteotomy. Two subgroups were analysed, according to the postoperative observation time: A1 and B1 (6 weeks), A2 and B2 (12 weeks). Macroscopic and microscopic features of the tympanic bulla were evaluated. The concavity of the operated bullas was similar to the normal ones. Only few animals in each subgroup presented complete regeneration of the tympanic bulla. On the other hand, connective tissue at the osteotomy site was significantly seen in the operated tympanic bullas. The qualitative histological exams and the histomorphometry showed that there was no significant difference concerning the osseus regeneration stage among the subgroups. Taken together these results lead to the conclusion that a restricted osteotomy did not alter significantly the tympanic bulla conformation and complete regeneration of the tympanic bulla frequently did not occur before 12 weeks of postoperative period.
Ear; Ear, middle; Osteotomy; Dogs
