scutum
- noun
- /ˈskjuːtəm/
- Specialized
:
escudo
- For many decades, direct visual examination of the middle ear was carried out with a microscope in the clinic or during surgery, but a microscope cannot provide a complete visual examination unless the scutum is lowered.
Examples
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From Jan. 1, 2001, through Feb. 28, 2002, it was the practice at our institution that tympanoplasty patients underwent scutum lowering for middle ear visualization; we identified 91 eligible patients who had undergone the procedure during that period.
Academic text (2006) -
Understanding the anatomy of the scutum is crucial for effective middle ear surgeries.
-
The bone in the scutum area is removed until adequate visualization is obtained.
Academic text (1995) -
Scutum lowering was successful in all 7 of these patients, as well as in the original 91 patients.
Academic text (2006) -
In this group, scutum lowering was performed only when the middle ear could not be completely visualized by endoscopy.
Academic text (2006) -
In the 98 cases in which scutum-lowering was performed, no damage to the ossicular chain or chorda tympani nerve occurred.
Academic text (2006) -
We conclude that incorporation of an angled otoendoscope into middle ear surgery is a worthwhile alternative to scutum lowering.
Academic text (2006) -
Among the 132 patients, operative time was less than 60 minutes in 50 patients—26 in the otoendoscopy group and 24 in the scutum-lowering group.
Academic text (2006) -
Among the 41 otoendoscopy patients, complete visualization of the ossicles was achieved in 34 (82.9%); the remaining 7 underwent subsequent scutum lowering.
Academic text (2006) -
The surgeon carefully examined the scutum to ensure there were no obstructions in the middle ear.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Scutum comes from the Latin word scutum, which means 'shield'. In ear anatomy the scutum is a small bony plate next to the middle ear, and the name helps you remember it is like a tiny 'shield' that covers and protects the ear structures.
