Osteoradionecrosis of the ossicular chain

Osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone is a well-known sequela of radiotherapy for neoplasms at the base of the skull. Presenting symptoms include otalgia, chronic aural drainage, and hearing loss, which can be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed. The conductive component has been hypothesized to be caused by radionecrosis of the ossicular chain. This case report documents the existence of osteoradionecrosis of the ossicular chain in a 10-year-old boy operated on for resection of extensive osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone.