[Functional results of ossiculoplasty. Apropos of 216 cases]

Results of 219 ossiculoplasties performed during closed technic tympanoplasties over a 7-year period are reviewed. Ossiculoplasty involved the implantation of ossiculo-tympanic plate homografts, ossicular auto- or homo-grafts or Klein type prostheses. Results are analyzed as a function of disease causing the ossicular lysis, types of mounting and number of operations required. From these are determined etiopathogenic factors and technics providing improved results. Absence of residual inflammation, stability of mounting and use of remaining ossicles are conditions that ensure best results. Contact between columella and tympanic membrane should be as wide as possible, with greater preference therefore for stapes-malleus or foot of stapes-malleus than stapes-tympanic plate or foot of stapes-tympanic plate mountings. These former mountings improve functional gain in a homogeneous manner throughout the frequency range.