Normal anatomy: Mastoid air cells are open, air-containing spaces in one of the skull bones.
Indications: An infection of the mastoid air cells that cannot be controlled with antibiotics may call for surgical treatment.
Procedure: A mastoidectomy is the surgical removal of these mastoid air cells; the surgery may extend into the middle ear.
Review Date: 11/25/2004 12:00:00 AM Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team
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