锤骨-前庭桥接术在镫骨外科中的应用(附6例报告)

目的:探讨锤骨-前庭桥接技术在治疗并发锤砧传声功能障碍的以耳硬化为主体的镫骨病变患者中的可行性、安全性及有效性。方法:对2005年3月~2007年3月78例镫骨手术中采用锤骨-前庭桥接技术的锤镫手术6例进行回顾性分析,就手术步骤、术中发现及术后眩晕加以讨论,并比较手术前后的纯音测听结果。结果:6例均存在镫骨底板固定,其中2例并发可能炎症参与的锤砧、砧镫关节变形、僵硬、固定,1例并发锤砧关节周围局灶性鼓室硬化,另2例并发锤骨前上韧带固定,最后1例为手术操作意外导致锤砧关节脱位。6例术后均无明显眩晕,0.5、1.0、2.0及4.0 kHz频率范围的平均气骨导差均<10 dB,未发现4.0 kHz切迹。随访3个月~2年。结论:以锤骨-前庭桥接技术为基础的锤镫手术对于不同原因所致的并发锤砧传声功能障碍的耳硬化是一种安全、有效的治疗方法。     

Analysis of factors affecting postoperative functional outcome in patients with otosclerosis

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the factors affecting postoperative hearing results of patients with otosclerosis.MethodsMedical records of 245 patients with clinical otosclerosis who underwent stapes surgery at our center from January 2009 to December 2018 were reviewed. The retrospectively collected data included patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, pre- and postoperative audiometric data, size of preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) (small/large). The patients were categorized into two groups according to the postoperative functional outcome: Group 1 consisted of patients with a postoperative ABG of ≤10 dB and Group 2 comprised those with a postoperative ABG of >10 dB. Evaluation of factors affecting functional outcome were performed by logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was generated to obtain the cut-off points for preoperative ABG.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age group (p = 0.393), gender (p = 0.670), operated side (p = 0.370), and laterality of disease (p = 0.607). There were 42 patients (31.6%) with a small ABG and 91 patients (68.4%) with a large ABG in group 1, and six (13.6%) and 38 patients (86.4%), respectively in group 2. There was a statistical significant difference between the groups in terms of the size of preoperative ABG (p = 0.020). In group 1, the mean preoperative air conduction (AC) threshold and preoperative ABG were significantly lower than in group 2 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the preoperative bone conduction (BC) threshold (p = 0.406). Preoperatively, the AC threshold and large ABG were found to be significantly poorer prognostic factors (p < 0.001; 95%CI: 1.031–1.210 and p = 0.037; 95%CI: 1.063–7.023, respectively). Preoperative ABG cut-off threshold for functional success was found to be 34.5 dB. The functional success rate was significantly higher in patients with a preoperative ABG of <34.5 than in patients with a preoperative ABG of ≥34.5 dB (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe preoperative AC threshold and large ABG were poor prognostic factors for postoperative hearing outcome in patients with otosclerosis. The functional outcomes were similar in patients with a preoperative small ABG and those with a preoperative ABG of <34.5 dB. A preoperative ABG cut-off value of <34.5 dB should be possibly considered as a parameter for predicting surgical success in otosclerosis and seems to be useful in clinical practice.     

Ossiculoplasty with a cartilage-connecting hydroxyapatite prosthesis for tympanosclerotic stapes fixation

Many cases of tympanosclerotic stapes fixation are accompanied by fixation or erosion of malleus and/or incus. This status of the ossicular chain is one of the reasons that ossiculoplasty for tympanosclerotic stapes fixation is more difficult than that for otosclerosis. We conducted a retrospective review of seven patients who were operated on for tympanosclerotic stapes fixation between 2002 and 2006. All of the patients had abnormal conditions of the malleus and/or incus and underwent stapedectomy and total ossiculoplasty with hydroxyapatite prosthesis (Apaceram T-7 type), which has a planar-like head portion that contacts a piece of cartilage. Postoperative hearing results were assessed in all seven patients after at least 1 year. The postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) was closed within 10 dB in two of seven patients, and was less than 20 dB in six of seven patients. The mean postoperative ABG was closed within 10 dB at 1 and 2 kHz and less than 20 dB at low frequencies (0.25 and 0.5 Hz). There was almost no hearing improvement at high frequencies (4 and 8 kHz). There were no patients with postoperative sensorineural hearing loss. The present study shows that stapedectomy and total ossiculoplasty with cartilage-connecting hydroxyapatite prosthesis is effective and safe for stapes fixation accompanied by fixation or erosion of the malleus and/or incus.     

PORP vs. TORP in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo compare the mean pre-operative air-bone gaps (ABG), mean post-operative ABGs, and extrusion rates between pediatric recipients of partial ossicular reconstruction prostheses (PORPs) and pediatric recipients of total ossicular reconstruction prostheses (TORPs) via a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsA quantitative systematic review last updated on September 29, 2021 of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases was conducted for studies reporting mean post-operative ABGs or numbers of children with post-operative ABG ≤ 20 dB following PORP and TORP procedures in at least five children aged 0–18 years. Studies were excluded if they were review articles, conference abstracts, or not in English. Studies that primarily reported data on congenital aural atresia, stapedectomy/stapedotomy, congenital stapes fixation, or juvenile otosclerosis were also excluded. NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was used to assess for risk of bias. Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4.1 was used to perform the meta-analysis and generate forest plots.ResultsOut of 648 unique abstracts retrieved, 11 papers were included in this systematic review with meta-analysis. Data from 449 children (247 TORP recipients and 202 TORP recipients) are represented among the various analyses. Data from nine studies, representing 84.2 % of all children in the systematic review, demonstrated that PORP recipients presented with a pre-operative ABG 6.30 dB less than TORP recipients (mean difference: ?6.30, 95 %CI: ?7.4, ?5.18, p < 0.01). Data from these same children demonstrated that PORP recipients had a 1.80 dB less post-operative ABG compared to TORP recipients (mean difference: ?1.80 dB, 95 %CI: ?2.84, ?0.77, p < 0.001). Data from seven studies, representing 49.4 % of all children in the systematic review, demonstrated that PORP recipients were more likely to have a successful closure of the post-operative ABG to ≤20 dB (OR: 2.12, 95 %CI: 1.18, 3.79, p = 0.01). In these same children, 62.5 % of PORP recipients had a post-operative ABG ≤ 20 dB and 48.3 % of TORP recipients had a post-operative ABG ≤ 20 dB. There was no difference in extrusion rates between PORP recipients compared to TORP recipients (OR: 1.08, 95 %CI: 0.31, 3.78, p = 0.90) from five studies representing 45.9 % children in the systematic review.ConclusionChildren who receive a PORP have better pre-operative hearing baselines and post-operative hearing outcomes compared to those who receive TORP with similar rates of extrusion. More pediatric studies should report their mean pre- and post-operative ABGs stratifying by various material types, surgical indications, and surgical details to facilitate future meta-analyses.     

Review of a single surgeon’s stapedotomy cases performed with a nickel titanium prosthesis over a 14-year period

Abstract

Conclusion: Stapes surgery with a nickel titanium prosthesis is a safe and well-tolerated procedure that leads to a significant improvement in hearing outcomes.

Objective: To identify the efficacy and safety of stapedotomy procedures performed with a nickel titanium prosthesis for patients with otosclerosis.

Methods: A review of 431 unique stapedotomies performed over 14 years by a single surgeon at an academic tertiary care center yielded 312 cases with nickel titanium prosthesis that met inclusion criteria of otosclerosis diagnosis, initial surgery in operative ear, and presence of pre-operative and post-operative audiograms. Pure-tone averages (PTA) at baseline and 8 weeks after surgery were calculated over four frequencies; 0.5, 1, 2, and 4?kHz. Average air–bone gaps (ABG) were calculated from pre-operative and post-operative audiograms.

Results: Average pre-operative baseline PTA was 56.7?dB in the affected ear. Post-operative PTA was 30.1?dB, a 26.6?dB improvement. Initial average ABG was 29.7?dB, while post-operative ABG averaged 5.4?dB, a 24.2?dB improvement. Surgical success (closure of ABG within 10?dB) was achieved in 263 (84%) patients. Rate of surgical success was not correlated with age, gender, race, or affected ear. Complications included recurrent conductive hearing loss (14), progressive SNHL (4), and post-operative BPPV (3).     

Comparison of incus interpositioning technique versus glass ionomer cement application in type 2 tympanoplasty

Objective of this study is to compare glass ionomer cement application and incus interpositioning techniques in patients who have chronic otitis media, conductive hearing loss with intact tympanic membrane and who undergo hearing reconstruction of staged surgery using a retrospective chart review in the setting of Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital ENT Clinic, Turkey. We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent otological surgery and hearing reconstruction with auto graft incus during 2005–2008 or glass ionomer cement during 2008–2010. Patients who had cholesteatoma, stapes fixation and tympanosclerosis were excluded. Postoperative mean follow-up time of 107 patients was 9.8 months (6–38 months, 83.2 % of them was ≤9 months). Postoperative pure tone hearing thresholds, graft status, gain scores and air bone gaps were recorded. Intact graft, dry ear on the operated side and ABG scores less than 20 dB were accepted as surgical success. Preoperative ABG score was 30.6 ± 7.93 dB in glass ionomer (group I) and 33.6 ± 11.99 dB in incus interpositioning (group II). Postoperative ABG scores were 13.6 ± 10.40 and 22.6 ± 12.39 dB, respectively, in group I and II. Success of closure in ABG scores was obtained in both groups (p < 0.001). Gain scores in group I were better (p = 0.035). Graft success (p = 0.020) correlated with gain score. Results showed that the glass ionomer cement application is a good, cost-effective technique, easy to perform and yields better hearing scores and lower complication rates compared to incus interpositioning technique.     

Malleostapedotomy in the pathology of the incudomalleolar complex combined with fixation of the stapes

IntroductionStapes fixation combined with disorders of the incudo-malleolar complex disorders requires a sound transmission reconstruction that often is difficult to solve. This circumstance can turn up in several pathologies and also in revision surgery for otosclerosis.Patients and methodsWe present our experience with four patients that underwent to malleostapedotomy with removal of the malleus anterior ligament and the malleus anterior apophysis.ResultsWe discuss the previous findings in each case. Two patients reached a gap closure and the other two patients obtained an auditive gain without complete gap closure.DiscussionWe set out the ethiology of malleus and incus hipomobility. We do a bibliographic review on the results of this technique in revision stapedectomy.     

耳硬化症初次及再次锤骨-镫骨底板开窗术治疗效果的分析比较

目的分析比较耳硬化症初次及再次修正锤骨-镫骨底板开窗术的手术疗效。方法回顾性分析瑞士卢瑟恩州立医院2002年4月至2017年12月连续收治耳硬化症患者,根据是初次行锤骨-镫骨底板开窗术(primary malleostapedotomy,P-MS)或是再次手术行修正的锤骨-镫骨底板开窗术(rivision malleostapedotomy,R-MS),将患者分为初次手术组(P-MS组)和修正手术组(R-MS组),对二者术中所见、术后听力结果进行比较。采用SPSS 23.0软件进行统计学分析。结果共70例患者(73耳)纳入研究。P-MS组35例38耳,男17例、女18例,平均年龄(43.6±10.5)岁;R-MS组35例35耳,男16例、女19例,平均年龄(47.3±10.9)岁;两组之间年龄、性别、手术侧别差异均无统计学意义(P值均>0.05)。除镫骨固定外,P-MS组术中所见主要为砧骨固定(50.0%,19/38),而R-MS组则为假体移位(60.0%,21/35)。500~3000 Hz和500~4000 Hz纯音听阈,R-MS组术后气骨导差(ABG)分别缩小(15.2±13.8)dB和(17.3±14.4)dB,P-MS组术后ABG分别缩小(18.1±8.2)dB和(18.3±8.5)dB,两组间比较,差异均无统计学意义(P值均>0.05)。R-MS组术后ABG明显大于P-MS组[500~3000 Hz:(16.1±11.8)dB比(8.5±5.7)dB;500~4000 Hz:(17.5±11.9)dB比(9.7±6.0)dB;P值均<0.05];R-MS组手术成功率(术后ABG<10 dB)显著低于P-MS组(500~3000 Hz:31.4%比65.8%,χ^2=8.606,P<0.05;500~4000 Hz:22.9%比57.9%,χ^2=9.240,P<0.05),而手术失败率(术后ABG>30 dB)显著高于P-MS组(500~3000 Hz和500~4000 HZ均为11.4%比0,χ^2值均=3.280,P值均<0.05)。两组各有3耳术后出现感音神经性聋(平均骨导听阈升高>10 dB),差异无统计学意义(500~3000 Hz和500~4000 Hz均为8.6%比7.9%,χ^2值均=0.011,P值均>0.05)。R-MS组初次修正手术(R-MS1)后ABG小于20 dB的比例为80.0%(20/25),而二次修正手术(R-MS2)后该比例为37.5%(3/8),二者差异有统计学意义(χ^2=5.18,P<0.05)。结论与初次锤骨-镫骨底板开窗术相比,再次修正手术引起感音神经性聋的风险并没有增加,而且仍能明显提高听力,但效果较初次手术差,失败风险高。二次修正手术效果欠佳,手术需谨慎,可以考虑助听器或其他听觉植入装置。     

Results of stapedotomy in otosurgical treatment of adult patients with osteogenesis imperfecta

ObjectiveThis is a retrospective study of hearing results and characteristics of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) patients treated for hearing loss by stapedotomy at tertiary reference center.MethodsThis study enrolled 20 patients with a clinical diagnosis of OI- (11M:9F). 18 patients (90%) underwent surgery due to hearing loss in the period 2003–16. The audiometric analysis provides the pure tone audiometry results of stapedotomy in adult patients in 2 periods (≤12 months and >12 months).Air-bone gap (ABG), hearing gain (HG), and changes in air and bone conduction thresholds after surgical treatment were analyzed.ResultsIn short-time follow-up we noted statistically significant improvement in mean AC thresholds and ABG (p < 0.001 for both), change in mean BC thresholds was statistically negligible. Comparing the observation periods short-term and long-term, it was found that AC thresholds, ABG, HG, ABG closure did not significantly change, although BC thresholds and BC closure deteriorated significantly (p < 0.05).ConclusionStapes surgery for OI can be considered as a method of treating the conductive and/or mixed hearing loss suffered by these patients; however, the surgery is more difficult than that for otosclerosis because OI cases often have extremely difficult anatomical conditions. The hearing results of OI stapes surgery differ from typical otosclerosis cases, with the ABG closure not being as good. In addition, sensorineural hearing loss inevitably progresses.     

Hearing results of surgery for tympanosclerosis

Between January 1990 and December 2003, 117 patients were surgically treated for tympanosclerosis at a tertiary referral center. The objective of our study was to review the hearing results in this cohort. The patients were divided into three groups: predominant involvement of tympanic membrane (33 cases), predominant fixation of malleus or/and incus (72 cases), and stapedial fixation (12 cases). Preoperative and postoperative air–bone gap (ABG), and pure tone average (PTA) were compared after short-term and long-term follow-up, and statistical significance was determined. After surgery, air–bone gap was improved by 11.7 dB after short-term, and by 10.9 dB after long-term observation period. The improvement of ABG was not significantly different between the groups. Pure tone average (PTA) was improved by 15.2 dB in short-term period, with decrease of results in the long-term follow-up to 10.3 dB. Successful hearing result as judged by ABG was obtained in 66.7% with affected tympanic membrane, in 65.3% with malleus or/and incus fixation, and in 50.0% with stapedial fixation. Statistical analysis confirmed significant improvement of hearing for all groups. Highly significant difference was noted for low frequency ABG (0.5, 1, and 2 kHz). Hearing improvement on ABG was preserved after long-term observation. No significant sensorineural hearing loss was seen in this series. Surgery for tympanosclerosis results in significant improvement of ABG and PTA. Most of the improvement is obtained in lower frequencies. Long-term results are comparable to short-term results, with slight hearing deterioration in stapedial fixation.     

Hearing results after type III tympanoplasty: incus transposition versus PORP. A systematic review

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare hearing improvements in the air-bone gap (ABG) after type III tympanoplasties, comparing between incus transposition (IT) and partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP).

Materials and methods: Publications in English were searched in PUBMED database and were systematically reviewed. A total of 14 articles were included, obtaining 1055 patients, 614 for the IT group and 441 for the PORP group. Preoperative ABG, postoperative ABG, dB gain and ABG closure rate were compared.

Results: IT group: preoperative ABG of 31.74?dB (SD 10.51); postoperative ABG of 18.97?dB (SD 10.6); dB gain of 12.76?dB (SD 14.97); and ABG closure rate of 64.48%. PORP group: preoperative ABG of 28.02?dB (SD 10.47); postoperative ABG of 16.27?dB (SD 10.45); dB gain of 11.75 (SD 15.02); and ABG closure rate of 71.32%. No significant statistical difference was found in dB mean gain between groups (p?>?.05), although a difference was found in the ABG closure rate between groups favouring PORP series (p?Conclusion: An improvement in hearing results was observed within both groups after type III tympanoplasty. There is no difference in decibels gained between both ossiculoplasty materials, but a better closure rate (%) was observed in the PORP group.     

The evaluation of endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty to repair perforations with otomycosis

ObjectiveWe evaluated the graft success rates and hearing gains of tympanic membrane (TM) perforations with otomycosis undergoing endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty and local applications of antimycotic cream.Study designA prospective case series.Materials and methodsIn total, 74 persistent perforations with otomycosis who underwent cartilage myringoplasty were included. The pre-, intra-, and post-operative antimycotic cream were applied. The outcomes were the hearing gains and graft take rates at 6 months.ResultsAt 6 months, the graft take rate was 83.8% (62/74). 6.8% developed postoperative purulent otorrhea and re-perforations; 9.5% recurrent otomycosis with re-perforations; and 4.1% mild postoperative otorrhea that resolved without re-perforation. The mean preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) was 32.31 ± 5.47 dB and the mean postoperative ABG 17.24 ± 4.95 dB, thus significantly different (p < .05). Of the 74 patients, 11(14.9%) had ABG closures within 10 dB, 48 (64.9%) had closures within 20 dB, and 15 (20.3%) had closures within 30 dB. We encountered no instances of graft lateralization or significant blunting during follow-up.ConclusionsEndoscopic cartilage myringoplasty effectively treats persistent perforations with otomycosis; however, pre-, intra-, and post-operative local applications of antimycotic cream are recommended.     

Myringoplasty in children

BackgroundTympanic membrane perforation (TMP) may be caused by acute and chronic otitis media, trauma and iatrogenic reasons. The goal of myringoplasty is to achieve a dry, self-cleansing ear with intact TM while preserving hearing. Literature review of myringoplasty outcome demonstrates results with different success rates and affecting factors.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate TMP closure (TMPC) rate and hearing improvement and to assess the effect of clinical and surgical parameters on residual and recurrent perforation.Materials and methodsRetrospective chart analysis of pediatric patients who underwent myringoplasty between the years 2000–2015. Closure success rate and hearing improvement were evaluated. The influence of age and clinical and surgical variables over TMPC rate and recurrent perforation were examined.ResultsOur study cohort consisted of 165 myringoplasties in 151 children, with a mean age of 11.7 years (R = 4.8–17.9, Me = 12.0).At one month follow-up (FU) TMPC rate was 88% (145/165). Among patients with successful TMPC a mean improvement of air bone gap (ABG) and speech reception threshold (SRT) were 9.9 dB, p < 0.001 and 9.4 dB, p < 0.001, respectively.58/145 (40%) patients with initial closure had a minimum FU of 6 months (Me = 12.0), during which time 8/58(13.8%) had a recurrent perforation. Surgery before 9 years of age was the only factor correlated with failed initial closure (p = 0.03) and recurrent perforation (p = 0.02).ConclusionsPediatric myringoplasty is associated with high TMPC rate. Hearing improvement is to be expected in most hearing impaired patients. Age under 9 years is associated with significantly higher rates of persistent and recurrent perforation.     

Microdrill stapedotomy for otosclerosis with small and large preoperative air-bone gap: a retrospective comparison of results

Abstract

Background: In otosclerosis mixed hearing loss is the most frequent symptom and arises when the focus involves the stapes footplate. Surgeons usually prefer to wait a minimum air-bone gap of 25 – 35?dB before surgery.

Objectives: To evaluate the outcome of microdrill stapedotomy for otosclerosis in patients with a preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) <25?dB versus patients with a preoperative gap ≥ 25?dB.

Material and methods: For this retrospective study, the outcomes and complications after microdrill stapedotomy were compared between adult patients with a preoperative small ABG (n?=?127, ABG <25?dB) and those with a large ABG (n?=?254, ABG ≥25?dB).

Results: The postoperative ABG was significantly smaller than the preoperative ABG (p?<?.05) in both groups; there were no differences in complications rates (severe sensorineural hearing loss, footplate fracture or early postoperative vertigo) between the two groups.

Conclusions: Our findings show that microdrill stapedotomy is safe and can be performed even in patients with a preoperative small ABG without increasing the risk of sensorineural hearing loss due to inner ear damage.     

Primary endoscopic stapedotomy using 3 mm nasal endoscope: Audiologic and clinical outcomes

ObjectiveTo report the use of a 3 mm rigid nasal endoscope in primary endoscopic stapedotomy and clinical and audiological outcomes.Materials and methodsThirty patients diagnosed with primary otosclerosis underwent endoscopic stapedotomy that was performed using a 3 mm nasal endoscope (Karl Storz). At 6 months follow-up, the patients were evaluated for intraoperative findings, postoperative hearing outcomes and complications.ResultsCanaloplasty was performed in 2 (6.66%) patients, and no curettage of the canal wall was required in 12 (40%) patients. Transposition of the chorda tympani nerve was conducted in 11 (36.66%) patients. The average duration of surgery was 36 min (range 31–65 min). The air-bone gap (ABG) was 35 dB (range 24–50 dB) preoperatively and 14.63 dB (range 9–20 dB) postoperatively (p = 0.00). At 6 months follow-up, <20 dB ABG was achieved in 93.33% of the patients. No major intraoperative/postoperative complications were detected.ConclusionA 3 mm rigid nasal endoscope can be effectively used in stapedotomy to obtain adequate audiological outcomes. It can be considered as a better alternative to the standard microscope or 4 mm endoscope in preserving the posterior canal wall and chorda tympani nerve while minimizing operative time without causing significant complications.     

Utilization of incus with bone cement for total ossicular reconstruction

Abstract

Background: Total ossicular chain reconstructions are performed to connect mobile stapes footplate and tympanic membrane. Data on the use of incus for total ossicular reconstruction is quite limited in the literature.

Objective: The main objective of this study is to describe a novel surgical method that utilizes incus with bone cement to stabilize the ossicular chain for total ossicular reconstruction.

Materials and methods: 16 patients who underwent total ossicular reconstruction using our method were included in this study. We evaluated hearing by comparing preoperative and postoperative air-bone gap (ABG), air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC). The percentage of patients achieving ABG ≤20?dB was determined.

Results: The mean preoperative ABG was 35.3?±?8.2 and postoperative ABG decreased significantly to 23.7?±?7.6 (p?<?.001). The mean preoperative AC (57.5?±?10) decreased significantly postoperatively to (46.5?±?13.3)(p?=?.014). There was not any difference between pre- and post-operative BC. We achieved successful hearing results (ABG ≤ 20dB) in 44% of patients.

Conclusion: The use of incus with bone cement stabilization for total ossicular reconstruction seems a feasible option. Good hearing outcomes, and low cost, complication, and extrusion rate may be the main reasons to prefer this method.     

Retrospective analysis of the results of implanting Nitinol pistons with heat-crimping piston loops in stapes surgery

The study presented here evaluates the hearing results after the implantation of a new nickel–titanium (Nitinol) prosthesis in stapes surgery; on heating, this prosthesis crimps itself around the long process of the incus. In addition, we compare the outcome with results published in the literature. The medical records of all patients who underwent surgery for otosclerosis with implantation of a Nitinol piston during the period 2004–2006 were evaluated retrospectively. 83 patients (58 women and 25 men), with a provisional diagnosis of otosclerosis that was confirmed during surgery in all but one of the cases, were treated by primary stapes surgery (85 ears). We were able to include 53 patients (55 ears) who had audiograms with air and bone conduction preoperatively and both 2–6 weeks and about 1 year after surgery. We found a mean air–bone gap (ABG) for the frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz (ABG4000) of 10.4 ± 5.5 dB after a mean postoperative follow-up period of 24.5 ± 16 days, and of 7.4 ± 3.7 dB after 462 ± 119 days. For the frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz (ABG3000), the results were 9.1 ± 4.8 and 6.4 ± 3.9 dB. The differences in preoperative versus postoperative air–bone gap, referred to as ABGC, after 25 and 462 days, respectively, were 19.4 ± 8.9 and 22.3 ± 8.8 dB for AGB4000, and 19.5 ± 8.8 and 22.2 ± 8.9 for ABG3000. Very good results were achieved with a new nickel–titanium prosthesis that crimps itself around the long process of the incus, thus facilitating stapes surgery and at the same time stabilizing the high quality of the results. However, no long-term results after 10 years or more, which would allow a final judgment, are yet available.     

Frequency-specific hearing results after stapes surgery for Chinese population otosclerosis with different degrees of hearing loss

Abstract

Background: Frequency-specific hearing studies are important for predicting hearing results and the prognosis after stapes surgery, to prepare for the rehabilitation of frequency-specific hearing in patients with otosclerosis.

Objectives: To evaluate outcomes of stapes surgery of Chinese otosclerosis patients with different degrees of hearing loss.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 213 otosclerosis patients who underwent stapes surgery in our hospital. Pre- and post-operative audiometric evaluation using conventional audiometry.

Results: The post-op ABG was less than 20?dB in 94.52% of all cases after surgery. There was no statistical significance of the post-op ABG among different groups at all frequencies except extremely severe group (p?<?.05). There was a significant improvement of both AC and BC thresholds in post-op period and the most significant improvement was found in severe group. There were no serious post-op complications and no re-operations during the follow-up period.

Conclusion: Stapes surgery is a suitable treatment option for otosclerosis with mild to extremely severe HL. The mild to moderate hearing loss groups had the most significant improvement of AC thresholds in the low frequency region, and the severe to extremely severe groups appeared in the high frequency region.     

Stapedotomy with incus vibroplasty – A novel surgical solution of advanced otosclerosis and its place among existing therapeutic modalities – Hungarian single institutional experiences

ObjectiveTo delineate the advantages and steps of stapedotomy with incus vibroplasty, to assess the safety and efficacy of this method via the authors’ experiences, and to overview the literature regarding other surgical options in advanced otosclerosis determining the place of stapedotomy with incus vibroplasty in the therapeutic range.MethodsFour patients were enrolled in the study presenting severe mixed hearing loss of at least one side on pure tone audiometry. Based on complementary audiological examinations including stapedial reflex test and multifrequency tympanometry, all cases were suspected as advanced otosclerosis. Stapedotomy with incus vibroplasty – the combination of laser stapedotomy and simultaneous Vibrant Soundbridge implantation – was performed in each patient. Preoperative pure tone average, speech recognition thresholds and word recognition scores were compared to one-year postoperative free-field values with the implant switched on focusing on functional gain.ResultsAmong 4 participants (3 females, 1 male) the mean age (SD) was 66 years (35). In three cases Nitinol, in one case NitiBond piston was inserted. One-year postoperative free-field functional gains were 30 dB, 34 dB, 42 dB and 51 dB, respectively. One-year postoperative free-field speech recognition thresholds were 45 dB, 45 dB, 49 dB and 50 dB, respectively, while word recognition scores were 70%, 70%, 70% and 75%, respectively.ConclusionPostoperative results in our serie regarding pure tone average and word recognition score proved to be better than those found in the literature. Stapedotomy with incus vibroplasty – through sufficient air-bone gap closure and simultaneous sensorineural component management – seems to be a promising surgical solution in advanced otosclerosis, requiring further investigation.     

Audiological results of endoscopic surgical repair of the long process of incus

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate our experience with endoscopic repair of ossicular discontinuity at the incudostapedial joint, with or without an intact stapes suprastructure, and present our hearing results. We classify results based on the causative pathology, the type of ossiculoplasty, and type of lesion. We demonstrate the ability to endoscopically place a total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP), measuring 4.25 mm, between the stapes footplate and the incus remnant to reestablish ossicular continuity.MethodsThis was a retrospective case series conducted in tertiary referral center (Hopital de la Timone) Marseille, France. 25 patients underwent incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty between 2009 and 2013. Fifteen cases of chronic otitis media and 10 otosclerosis revisions were included in the study. Three different materials were used in ossiculoplasty, hydroxyapatite cement, incus remnant, and partial/total ossicular replacement prostheses. Audiometric results were evaluated before and after ossiculoplasty. Twelve month follow-up data is provided.ResultsThe mean postoperative air-bone gap was 15 dB (5–25 dB). Hearing results were better inotosclerosis revisions. Hydroxyapatite cement produced an air-bone gap of 5 dB, TORP placed under the incus produced a 12 dB gap, and TORP placed under the malleus resulted in a 12 dB gap and one deaf ear. In cases of chronic otitis media, the residual air-bone gap was 17 dB with PORP, 12 dB with TORP, and 20 dB with incus transposition.ConclusionThe hydroxyapatite cement is effective in the reconstruction of ossicular discontinuity but the high price limits its utilization. TORP placed under the incus is a reliable and stable method of ossicular reconstruction that is cost effective and offers satisfactory hearing results in selected patients.