Anatomy and Imaging of the Modiolus

Anatomical Position and Structure

• The modiolus forms the central bony pillar of the cochlea, around which the cochlear turns spiral, as described by the American College of Radiology 1, 2
• The modiolus is located within the petrous portion of the temporal bone, forming part of the inner ear structure, according to the American College of Radiology 1, 3

Imaging Considerations

• High-resolution CT of the temporal bone provides excellent delineation of the bony modiolus, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 1, 4
• MRI with dedicated internal auditory canal protocols, particularly high-resolution T2-weighted sequences, can visualize the fluid-filled spaces around the modiolus, as described by the American College of Radiology and Neuro-Oncology 3, 5
• For optimal visualization of inner ear structures including the modiolus, thin-section imaging techniques are recommended by the American College of Radiology 3, 6

Clinical Significance

• The modiolus is an important landmark in temporal bone CT imaging for evaluation of inner ear structures, as stated by the American College of Radiology 1, 3