Question: A 2 year old boy with aural atresia is evaluated for possible atresia repair. Examination of a temporal bone CT scan demonstrates a normal appearing stapes, oval window, and facial nerve, but no malleus-incus complex and poor mastoid pneumatization. The canal is absent and the pinna is abnormal. The middle ear space is not aerated. Based on the Jahrsdoerfer grading scale, how many points would this child earn, and would you recommend atresiaplasty?

[Answer will be posted with next week's new question]

Answer to last week's question, "Pumper" (July 24, 2018)

Inferior turbinate branch of sphenopalatine artery, likely injured during mega-antrostomy (requires resection of portion of inferior turbinate).