Malleus to stapes assembly

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Ossicular reconstruction aims to restore hearing by replacing or bridging damaged middle ear ossicles.
• The malleus to stapes assembly is considered an ideal method due to its high success rates.
• Limited applicability due to strict anatomical requirements for malleus and stapes positioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the technique and indications for malleus to stapes assembly ossiculoplasty.
• To evaluate the outcomes of this specific ossicular reconstruction method.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 20 malleus to stapes assembly procedures performed between 1976 and 1982.
• Comparison with 85 cases of hemi-incus interposition ossiculoplasty during the same period.

Main Results:

• The malleus to stapes assembly technique demonstrated significant efficacy.
• 80% of reconstructions achieved an air-bone gap closure within 10 dB.
• An average improvement in speech reception threshold of 18 dB was observed.

Conclusions:

• Malleus to stapes assembly is a highly effective ossicular reconstruction technique when anatomically feasible.
• This method provides substantial hearing improvement, including significant air-bone gap closure and enhanced speech understanding.
• Despite its rarity compared to other techniques, its reconstructive success warrants consideration in appropriate cases.