Results after revision stapedectomy with malleus grip prosthesis

Revision stapedectomy with a malleus grip prosthesis is a technically challenging otologic procedure. The prosthesis is usually longer and extends deeper into the vestibule than a conventional stapes prosthesis, creating the potential to affect the vestibular sense organs. The prosthesis also bypasses the ossicular joints, which are thought to play a role in protecting the inner ear from large changes in static pressure within the middle ear. The prosthesis is in close proximity to the tympanic membrane, thus increasing the risk for its extrusion. We reviewed our experience with revision stapedectomy with the Schuknecht Teflon-wire malleus grip prosthesis in 36 ears with a mean follow-up of 23 months. The air-bone gap was closed to within 10 dB in 16 ears (44%) and to within 20 dB in 26 ears (72%). The incidence of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss was 8% (3 ears). There were no dead ears. Extrusion of the prosthesis occurred in 1 case (3%). Nearly 50% of patients reported various degrees of vertigo or disequilibrium during the first 3 weeks after surgery. These vestibular symptoms resolved by 6 weeks in all but 1 case. We did not find evidence of damage to the inner ear due to the length of the prosthesis or due to the potential for direct transmission of changes in static pressures within the middle ear to the labyrinth. Our results are similar to those published in the literature for malleus attachment stapedectomy and conventional revision incus stapedectomy.