Tympanic membrane retraction
Medical condition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Tympanic membrane retraction describes a condition in which a part of the eardrum lies deeper within the ear than its normal position.
The eardrum comprises two parts: the pars tensa, which is the main part of the eardrum, and the pars flaccida, which is a smaller part of the eardrum located above the pars tensa. Either or both of these parts may become retracted. The retracted segment of eardrum is often known as a retraction pocket. The terms atelectasis or sometimes adhesive otitis media can be used to describe retraction of a large area of the pars tensa.
Tympanic membrane retraction is fairly common and has been observed in one quarter of a population of British school children.[1] Retraction of both eardrums is less common than having a retraction in just one ear. It is more common in children with cleft palate.[2] Tympanic membrane retraction also occurs in adults.[3][4]
Attempts have been made to categorise the extent of tympanic membrane retraction[3][4][5] though the validity of these classifications is limited.[2]