Do otosclerosis and stapedotomy affect semicircular canal functions? Preliminary results of video head impulse test

Otosclerosis and stapedotomy have some effects on the vestibular system, but there are very limited data on their effects on semicircular canals (SCCs).

The aim of the study is to investigate if otosclerosis and stapedotomy have an effect on SCCs and video head impulse test (vHIT).

This retrospective study included 11 otosclerosis patients who had undergone stapedotomy and 30 healthy participants. Twenty-two ears of 11 patients with otosclerosis were divided into two groups based on whether the ear had been operated (12 ears) or not (10 ears). All participants underwent vHIT. We compared gains of all SCCs, presence of saccades among the operated ears, unoperated ears and control ears.

Significant difference (p<.05) was noted in comparisons of gain of lateral SCCs among all groups. Control group had the highest gain, followed by unoperated and operated groups, respectively. Comparison of incidence of covert saccade showed significant difference (p<.05) for lateral and posterior SCCs.

Otosclerosis and otosclerosis surgery may have some effects on SCC functions and thereby vHIT. Lateral SCC is the most affected SCC in terms of gain. These findings appear to add important contributions to our knowledge.