| Summary: | Background: Fundamental knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the inner ear is necessary to understand otologic diseases and therapeutic strategies. Aim: Evaluate the inter- and intraindividual variability of the modiolar position in relation to vestibular landmarks and cranial morphology on computed tomography scans (CT scan). Methods: Thirty CT scans of normal temporal bones (25 adults, 5 children) were analyzed after multiplanar reconstruction (MPR). The measurements for each ear included the angle of each semicircular canal (SCC) made by a line passing through the chosen plane and a line passing between the apex and the <i>ampulla</i> of the SCC studied and the angle of the <i>modiolus</i> in the transverse and sagittal planes. Results: Intraindividual asymmetries with a moderate to good right/left correlation were observed for the lateral SCC in the transverse plane, posterior SCC in the frontal plane, and the superior SCC in the sagittal plane and for the <i>modiolus</i> in the transverse plane. Conclusions: An anatomical variability in the cochlea, independent of other surrounding anatomical elements, seems to exist, but the SCCs seem to remain symmetrical. Significance: The orientation of the <i>modiolus</i> is an important knowledge to acquire during presurgical planning prior to transmodiolar auditory nerve implantation.
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