Ossicular chain reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Innovation
• Audiology

Background:

• Chronic otitis media frequently leads to ossicular chain discontinuity.
• Ossicular chain reconstruction aims to restore hearing in affected patients.
• A comprehensive review of unselected cases is crucial for evaluating surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of ossicular chain reconstruction in a broad patient cohort.
• To assess hearing outcomes following reconstruction using a sculptured incus prosthesis.
• To analyze results in unselected cases of chronic otitis media sequelae.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 121 patients undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction over five years.
• Inclusion of a general cross-section of chronic otitis media sequelae without case selection.
• Follow-up of 90 patients for at least one year post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Hearing results improved in cases with malleus handle and stapes arch present using a fitted incus prosthesis.
• Postoperative hearing improved to within 10 dB of the bone conduction level in approximately 50% of patients.
• Over 80% of patients achieved a hearing improvement of 20 dB or better.

Conclusions:

• Sculptured, fitted incus prostheses are effective in improving hearing after ossicular chain reconstruction.
• The surgical technique yields significant audiological benefits in a majority of patients with chronic otitis media sequelae.
• This reconstructive approach demonstrates a high success rate in unselected patient populations.