Arch Otolaryngol
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To assess whether a correlation exists between the degree of pars flaccida (PF) retraction and the degree of mastoid pneumatization. ⋯ This study lends further support to the possibility that the mastoid pneumatic system functions as a middle ear pressure buffer. This possibility gives further explanation as to why ears with poorly pneumatized mastoids tend to develop tympanic membrane retractions and perforations, incus necrosis, or retraction pocket cholesteatoma, while ears with a large pneumatic system are rarely at such risk.