Mastoïdale

Mastoïdale refers to anything related to the mastoid bone, a part of the skull located behind the ear. This bone is characterized by its spongy structure and contains air-filled cavities called mastoid air cells. These cells are connected to the middle ear.

The mastoid bone plays a role in protecting the structures of the inner ear and houses the mastoid process, a pointed projection that serves as an attachment point for several muscles of the neck.

A common condition associated with the mastoid bone is mastoiditis, an infection of the mastoid air cells. This infection can arise from an untreated or inadequately treated middle ear infection (otitis media). Symptoms of mastoiditis may include ear pain, fever, swelling and tenderness behind the ear, and a discharge from the ear.

Diagnosis of mastoiditis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and may require surgical drainage of the infected mastoid air cells if the infection is severe or does not respond to medication.

Surgical procedures involving the mastoid bone are referred to as mastoidectomy. This surgery is performed to remove infected or diseased tissue from the mastoid bone, often in cases of chronic mastoiditis or cholesteatoma, a non-cancerous skin growth that can develop in the middle ear and mastoid.