To Study the Pre Operative Indicators of Incudal Necrosis in Tubo-Tympanic Chronic Otitis Media

To assess the pre-operative indicators of incudal necrosis in tubo-tympanic CSOM. A total of 80 patients with tubo-tympanic type of CSOM attending the SMGS Hospital ENT OPD/IPD of both genders were enrolled for the study. Pre-operative findings on oto-microscopic examination, pure-tone audiometry, x-ray mastoid and intra-operative microscopy was recorded. It was found that patients with age > 30 years and more than 10 years of CSOM had had higher incidence of ossicular necrosis as compared to patients age < 30 years and less than 10 years of CSOM (P < 0.05). Patients who had granulation tissue and moderate to moderately severe hearing loss had higher incidence of ossicular necrosis as compared to other patients. The difference was seen significant (P < 0.05). In this study, it was observed that the presence of granulations over the perforation margins, disease persisting for more than 10 years, moderate to moderately severe hearing loss appear to be significant reliable indicators of incudal necrosis in tubo-tympanic type of CSOM. All patients of tubo-tympanic type of CSOM should be assessed in detail so as to reach early diagnosis of ossicular erosion that helps in surgical decision making and preparedness regarding ossiculoplasty and patient consent.