Comparing audiometric parameters between crushed and intact cartilage tympanoplasty: a double-blinded, randomised,...

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a perforated tympanic membrane.
• Cartilage grafts are commonly used, but techniques vary.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare hearing outcomes and graft take rates of crushed cartilage versus intact cartilage grafts in tympanoplasty.
• To evaluate the efficacy of crushed cartilage grafts in tympanic membrane reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 46 patients with tympanic membrane perforation.
• Conchal cartilage grafts were used; the intervention group received crushed cartilage, while the control group received intact cartilage.
• Hearing results and graft success were assessed over a one-year follow-up period.

Main Results:

• 36 patients completed the one-year follow-up (20 intervention, 16 control).
• No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in mean air-bone gap, bone conduction threshold, speech discrimination score, or speech reception threshold.

Conclusions:

• While crushing cartilage may alter graft rigidity and volume, it does not appear to enhance hearing results in tympanoplasty.
• Further research may be needed to explore alternative graft modifications or techniques for improved hearing outcomes.