Diffuse exostoses and osteomata of the external auditory canal: a report of 100 operations

The clinical, surgical, and postoperative findings were reviewed in 84 operations for correction of bony stenosis of the external auditory canal caused by diffuse exostoses. Sixteen operations for removal of a solitary osteoma of the external auditory canal are also included in the review. The solitary osteoma is an uncommon unilateral lesion, attached to the tympanosquamous or tympanomastoid suture line, almost always in the outer half of the ear canal. Removal is indicated in most cases and may be performed through the external meatus under local anesthesia. Diffuse exostoses of the external auditory canal are common bilaterally symmetrical hyperostoses of the tympanic bone, seen predominantly in men who are ocean swimmers. Surgical correction of the bony stenosis is indicated only if the lesion is symptomatic. At the Otologic Medical Group we perform the operation postauricularly, rather than transmeatally, in order to remove the lesion completely and to avoid complications.