Predictors of hearing outcomes in patients undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction in a developing country / Factores predictores de desenlaces auditivos en pacientes llevados a reconstrucción de la cadena osicular en un país en vía de desarrollo

Objective: To explore the social and clinical factors that predict audiometric outcomes in patients undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction. Methods: A retrospective analytical cohort study was conducted, including patients 18 years of age or older with a history of chronic otitis media (COM) and/or any of its complications, who underwent ossicular chain reconstruction with Partial Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis (PORP) or Total Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis (TORP), at Hospital San José and Hospital infantile Universitario de San José between 2012 and 2020. We excluded patients with ossicular chain malformations and those with incomplete information. Information about sociodemographic and clinical factors was collected. Additionally, the surgery findings information was analyzed using the Ossiculoplasty outcome parameter staging ( OOPS) index. Results: A total of 35 adult patients who underwent ossicular chain reconstruction were retrospectively studied. An improvement was evidenced in the Preoperative Pure-Tone Average (PTA) and postoperative PTA (p-value=0.036), as well as in the pre and postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) (p-value < 0.01). A moderate correlation coefficient was found between the OOPS index and the postoperative PTA (p= 0.429), and between the OOPS index and the postoperative (ABG) (p= 0.653). Conclusion: We found that a higher OOPS score is correlated with worse hearing outcomes postoperatively, and there was no association between the demographic or pathologic factors with a worse postoperative hearing outcome. Therefore, OOPS index can predict audiometric outcomes in patients undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction in a developing country, regardless of the demographic or pathologic factors.

Objetivo: Evaluar los factores sociales y clínicos que predicen los desenlaces audiométricos en pacientes llevados a reconstrucción de cadena osicular en un país envía de desarrollo. Métodos: Se realizo un estudio de cohorte analítico retrospectivo donde se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, con antecedente de otitis media crónica y/o alguna complicación/secuela de esta, que fueron llevados a reconstrucción de la cadena osicular con prótesis PORP - TORP de la Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud entre el año 2012 y 2020, se excluyeron pacientes con malformaciones de la cadena osicular y aquellos con informacion incompleta de su historia clinica y quirurgica. Resultados: La población estudiada fue 35 pacientes, en los cuales se compararon variables demográficas, antecedentes de rinitis o tabaquismo activo, parámetros audiológicos pre y postoperatorios, y hallazgos intraquirurgicos. Se evidenció una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el promedio tonal auditivo (PTA) preoperatorio y el PTA postoperatorio (p-valor=0.036), así como en el gap aéreo- oseo pre y post operatorio ( p-valor < 0.01). Se reportó un coeficiente de correlación moderado entre el índice OOPS y el PTA post operatorio (p = 0.429), y entre el índice OOPS y el gap aéreo óseo post operatorio (p = 0.653), lo que indica que a mayor puntaje en el índice OOPS peores desenlaces auditivos. Conclusión: En este estudio un mayor puntaje en el índice OOPS se correlacionó con peores desenlaces auditivos. No se evidenció correlación entre los factores demográficos u otras comorbilidades descritas y un peor desenlace auditivo post operatorio. Aunque se obtuvo un GAO postoperatorio ≤20dB en el 48.5% de los pacientes, se observó una disminución en el GAO estadísticamente significativo.

Recommendations for post-rehabilitation care of maxillofacial prostheses

Aim: This study aimed to review the scientific literature to describe the main care and hygiene protocols for different types of maxillofacial prostheses (MFP). Methods: A bibliographic search on the PubMed / Medline database using the following keywords: ["maxillofacial prosthesis" OR "ocular prostheses" OR "palatal obturators"] AND ["Cleaning" OR "disinfection"] AND ["care"] AND ["color stability"] OR ["denture cleansers" OR "cleansing agents"]. Articles addressing materials, cleaning and disinfection protocols, and care related to MFP were included. The following exclusion criteria were applied: no adequate methodology, incompatibility with the area of interest, and unavailability for reading in full. Results: The papers were grouped into the following topics: facial prostheses, ocular prostheses, maxillofacial intraoral prostheses, and retention systems. Conclusion: Despite the MFP changes over time, its degradation decreases upon following the recommendations and post-adaptation care. The guidelines for cleaning and disinfection must be individualized to guarantee the longevity of the prosthesis and the patient health

Prótese auditiva ancorada ao osso percutânea: benefícios auditivos / Percutaneous bone ancored hearing aid: hearing benefits

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever os benefícios nos limiares auditivos e no desempenho de reconhecimento de sentenças no silêncio e no ruído em indivíduos com a adaptação unilateral do Sistema Ponto®. Métodos Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, de seguimento longitudinal. A casuística foi composta por fontes de dados secundários de dez indivíduos com perda auditiva condutiva ou mista, que foram submetidos à cirurgia com o Sistema Ponto®. Os resultados foram analisados nas seguintes condições: a) pré-cirúrgicas: sem AASI; com AASI por condução aérea ou óssea e com o processador Ponto Pro® acoplado a uma banda elástica; b) pós-cirúrgicas: na ativação e após seis meses de uso. Resultados Os limiares da audiometria tonal por conduções aérea e óssea mantiveram-se estáveis após a cirurgia, enquanto os limiares auditivos em campo livre e o reconhecimento de fala no silêncio e no ruído foram estatisticamente melhores na ativação e após seis meses de uso do Sistema Ponto®. Não houve diferença nos resultados com os indivíduos utilizando o Sistema Ponto® com a banda elástica e após a cirurgia. Conclusão O Sistema Ponto® propiciou benefício nas habilidades auditivas de detecção em todas as frequências testadas, assim como no reconhecimento de sentenças no silêncio e no ruído.

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the benefits in hearing thresholds and sentence recognition performance in silence and noise, in users of the unilateral Ponto® system. Methods An observational, retrospective, longitudinal study. The sample consisted of secondary data sources from 10 individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss who underwent surgery with the Ponto® System. The results were analyzed in the following pre-surgical conditions (without hearing aids; with hearing aids by air or bone conduction; with the Ponto Pro® processor with a soft band) and post-surgical (on activation and after six months of use). Results The thresholds of pure tone audiometry by air and bone conductions remained stable after surgery, while the auditory thresholds in free field and speech recognition in silence and in noise were statistically better when using the Ponto® system. There was no difference between the results obtained with the individuals using Ponto® with soft band and post-surgically. Conclusion The Ponto® system provided benefits in hearing detection skills in all tested frequencies, as well as, in recognition of the sentence in silence and noise.

Ossicular chain reconstruction in chronic otitis media: hearing results and analysis of prognostic factors / Reconstrução da cadeia ossicular na otite média crônica: resultados auditivos e análise de fatores prognósticos

Abstract Introduction The goal of ossiculoplasty is to improve hearing and the success of this procedure depends on several factors. Objective Analyze the hearing results in patients with chronic otitis media undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction, as well as predictive factors for successful surgery. Methods Charts of patients undergoing ossiculoplasty between 2006 and 2016 were reviewed. Sixty-eight patients were included, totaling 72 ears. The following data was analyzed: gender, age, smoking status, laterality, pathology, audiometric exams, type of surgery, previous surgery, characteristics of the middle ear, otorrhea and ossicular chain status. Patients were also classified according to two indices: middle ear risk index and ossiculoplasty outcome parameter staging. The results were evaluated by comparing the air-bone gap before and after surgery. The success of reconstruction was defined as air-bone gap ≤20 dB and the improvement of speech reception Thresholds, calculated through the mean frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz. Results Reconstruction success rate was 61%. The mean preoperative air bone gap was 34.63 dB and decreased to 17.26 dB after surgery. There was a correlation between low risk in middle ear risk index and ossiculoplasty outcome parameter staging indices with postoperative success. The most frequently eroded ossicle was the incus and the type of prosthesis most used was tragal cartilage. In the patients without incus, we achieved success in 74.2% of the surgeries. In the absence of the stapes, the success rate decreased to 63.3%. In the absence of the malleus, 85% of the patients had and air bone gap ≤20 dB. Conclusion We achieved good audiometric outcomes in ossiculoplasty and the results are comparable to other centers. Ossicle status influenced postoperative results, especially in the presence of stapes. We also concluded that the indexes analyzed may help to predict the success of the surgery.

Resumo Introdução A ossiculoplastia tem como objetivo a melhoria da audição e o sucesso desse procedimento depende de diversos fatores. Objetivo Analisar os resultados auditivos em pacientes com otite média crônica submetidos a reconstrução da cadeia ossicular, bem como os fatores preditivos de sucesso cirúrgico. Método Prontuários de pacientes submetidos a ossiculoplastia entre 2006 e 2016 foram revistos. Sessenta e oito pacientes foram incluídos, total de 72 orelhas. Os seguintes dados foram analisados: sexo, idade, tabagismo, lateralidade, doença, exames audiométricos, tipo de cirurgia, cirurgia prévia, características da orelha média, otorreia e estado da cadeia ossicular. Os pacientes também foram classificados de acordo com dois índices: índice de risco da orelha média e estadiamento do parâmetro de desfecho da ossiculoplastia. Os resultados foram avaliados comparando o gap aéreo-ósseo antes e após a cirurgia. O sucesso da reconstrução foi definido como gap aéreo-ósseo ≤ 20 dB e a melhoria dos limiares de recepção de fala, calculados pelas frequências médias de 0,5, 1, 2 e 3 kHz. Resultados A taxa de sucesso da reconstrução foi de 61%. O gap aéreo-ósseo pré-operatório médio foi de 34,63 dB e diminuiu para 17,26 dB após a cirurgia. Houve correlação entre baixo risco no índice de risco para orelha média e os índices de estadiamento do parâmetro de desfecho da ossiculoplastia com sucesso pós-operatório. O ossículo com erosão mais frequente foi a bigorna e o tipo de prótese mais utilizada foi a cartilagem tragal. Nos pacientes sem bigorna o sucesso foi alcançado em 74,2% das cirurgias. Na ausência do estribo, a taxa de sucesso diminuiu para 63,3%. Na ausência do martelo, 85% dos pacientes apresentaram gap aéreo-ósseo ≤ 20 dB. Conclusão Melhora significativa da audição foi observada em pacientes submetidos à ossiculoplastia, os resultados foram comparáveis aos de outros centros. O "status" dos ossículos influenciou os resultados pós-operatórios, principalmente a presença do estribo. Também concluímos que os índices analisados podem ajudar a prever o sucesso da cirurgia.

Autogenous ossicles in ossiculoplasty: the auditory outcomes and prognostic factors / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE To explore the auditory outcomes and prognostic factors in ossiculoplasty using autogenous ossicles. METHODS A retrospective review was performed in 126 patients with cholesteatoma or chronic otitis media, who admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology in Jingzhou hospital affiliated to Tongji medical college from January 2014 to July 2016, and underwent canal wall-down tympanoplasty (CWDT) with ossiculoplasty using autogenous ossicles in a single stage. The postoperative complication and hearing thresholds were analyzed after 12 months' follow-up. RESULTS The rate of dry ear was 96.5％. We had not found any extrusion of prosthesis. There was no one with postoperative retraction pocket or recurrence of cholestatoma during the follow-up. Auditory outcomes showed air conduction threshold improved from (52.7±7.4)dB to (39.0±9.1)dB after operation, while the air-bone gaps improved from(27.4±6.9)dB to (20.8±6.2)dB. Postoperative outcomes were considered successful, if the postoperative air-bone gap was <20 dB. The successful hearing was achieved in 88 patients (69.8％). Prognostic factors were analyzed using multivariate analysis with logistic regression. And we found the presence of the stapes and the malleus handle was significantly favorable predictive factors. All the patients recovered well without severe complication. CONCLUSION Autogenous ossicles is very valuable in ossiculoplasty. The present stapes and malleus handle are important factors for the auditory outcomes in ossiculoplasty.

Feasibility of ossicular chain reconstruction with resin cement / Viabilidade da reconstrução da cadeia ossicular com cimento resinoso

Abstract Introduction: Disjunction of ossicular chain is a common finding in middle ear chronic disease. In addition to ossicular interposition, various materials have been used for reconstruction, such as ceramic prostheses, polyethylene, and titanium. Objective: Because of the high cost of the available options, the authors propose to reconstruct the ossicular chain with resin cement, a material typically used in dental reconstruction and fixation. Methods: Two anatomical parts of the temporal bones were used, creating a disjunction of the ossicular chain between the incus and staples and then reconstructing with resin cement. These reconstructions were repeated four times by three different surgeons to ensure the feasibility of the method. Results: A total of 12 reconstructions were carried out, four per surgeon. After applying the cement, it could be verified by touch that the space was filled properly by the used material. Proper articulation with motion transfer to the entire ossicular chain was also observed. Conclusion: Resin cement is a suitable material in the reconstruction of ossicular chain injury, and it is inexpensive and technically simple.

Resumo Introdução: É frequente a disjunção da cadeia ossicular nas doenças crônicas da orelha média. Além de interposições ossiculares, vários materiais já foram usados com a finalidade de reconstruí-la, como próteses de cerâmica, polietileno e titânio. Objetivo: Devido ao alto custo das opções existentes, propomos reconstruir a cadeia com cimento resinoso, material usado normalmente na reconstrução e fixação dentária. Método: Serão usadas duas peças anatômicas de ossos temporais, nas quais será criada uma disjunção da cadeia entre a bigorna e o estribo que, a seguir, será reconstruída com o cimento resinoso. Essas reconstruções serão repetidas quatro vezes por três cirurgiões diferentes, para certificação da viabilidade do método. Resultados: Foram feitas 12 reconstruções, quatro por cada cirurgião. Após aplicação do cimento, conseguimos, ao toque, perceber que o espaço foi preenchido adequadamente pelo material empregado. Notamos ainda adequada articulação com transferência de movimento para toda a cadeia ossicular. Conclusão: O cimento resinoso é um material viável na reconstrução de lesões da cadeia ossicular e proporciona um método tecnicamente simples e de baixo custo.

Effect of the position of PORP on the middle ear transferfunction——a finite element model / 中国耳鼻咽喉头颈外科

OBJECTIVE To study the effect of partial ossicular replacement prothesis (PORP) on the middle ear transfer function.METHODS On a incus removed finite element model,a titanium columnar structure which link the malleus and the stapes was used to simulate the function of PORP to transmit acoustic pressure.The effect of placement of PORP on different positions of the manubrium,as well as the insertion of the cartilage between the artificial bone and the fascia on the middle ear transfer function were calculated.RESULTS When the PORP is placed on the neck of manubrium,mid-manubrium and headof malleus removed,the vibration amplitude of the umbo ofthe tympanic membrane is reduced in 200-8000 Hz,and thereduction range in 200-3200 Hz is more than that of 3200-8000 Hz.While the vibration amplitude of the stapes in the200-8000 Hz amplitude increased.The vibration amplitude is basically the same when placed on the neck of manubrium and mid-manubrium,while it slightly increased about 2-3 dB than the former two when the head of malleus removed.In 1000-8000 Hz.When putting the cartilage between the PORP and transplanted fascia,the vibration amplitude of the stapes footplate was slightly increased,but there was a slight difference with different cartilages.CONCLUSION The placement and material property of PORP play an important role in the middle ear transfer function.

Methodology for Intraoperative Laser Doppler Vibrometry Measurements of Ossicular Chain Reconstruction

OBJECTIVES: Despite the increasing number of research concerning the applications of the Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV) in medicine, its usefulness is still under discussion. The aim of this study is to present a methodology developed in our Department for the LDV intraoperative assessment of ossicular chain reconstruction. METHODS: Ten patients who underwent "second look" tympanoplasty were involved in the study. The measurements of the acoustic conductivity of the middle ear were performed using the LDV system. Tone bursts with carrier frequencies of 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz set in motion the ossicular chain. The study was divided into four experiments that examined the intra- and interindividual reproducibility, the utility of the posterior tympanotomy, the impact of changes in the laser beam angle, and the influence of reflective tape presence on measurements. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two measurements performed in the same patient. However, interindividual differences were significant. In all cases, posterior tympanotomy proved to be useful for LDV measurements of the ossicular prosthesis vibrations. In most cases, changing the laser beam angle decreased signal amplitude about 1.5% (not significant change). The reflective tape was necessary to achieve adequate reflection of the laser beam. CONCLUSION: LDV showed to be a valuable noncontact intraoperative tool for measurements of the middle ear conductive system mobility with a very good intraindividual repeatability. Neither a small change in the angle of the laser beam nor performing the measurements through posterior tympanotomy showed a significant influence on the results. Reflective tape was necessary to obtain good quality responses in LDV measurements.

Bilateral Ossiculoplasty in 1 Case of Achondroplasia

Achondroplasia is the most common skeletal dysplasia and it combines various complications with normal longevity. Hearing disturbance due to otitis media or an ossicular anomaly is one of the most common complications. Conductive hearing loss is suggested as the most common form of hearing loss. Temporal bone and middle ear structures are distorted in achondroplasia because of rotational change of the skull base. Authors experienced a case of an achondroplastic patient with bilateral hearing disturbance. We faced making a potential mistake during the previous operation but a favorable postoperative result occurred. Our experience could be helpful to other clinicians who face achondroplastic patients.

Audiologic Results of Ossiculoplasty Using Malleus Footplate Assembly: The Comparison between Autologous Incus and Hydroxyapatite

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Absence of incus is one of the most common ossicular anomalies and also frequently found in chronic otitis media or chornic otitis media with cholesteatoma. Ossiculoplasty with malleus footplate assembly (MFA) can be an excellent option in the above situations. We reviewed our procedures and evaluated the hearing results of ossiculoplasty using the MFA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively reviews a series of 32 patients who underwent MFA ossiculoplasty between September 2001 and March 2010 in an academic tertiary referral center. The autologous incus or hydroxyapatite (HA) was used as materials for reconstruction. RESULTS: Thirteen of 32 patients (40.6%) had ossicular chain anomaly, 9 patients (28.1%) had congenital cholesteatoma and 8 patients (25.0%) had chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma and 2 patients (6.3%) had chronic otitis media. The patients with ossicular chain ano-maly showed the greatest air-bone gap (ABG) closure. Overall, postoperative ABG was 17.7+/-11.7 dB at postoperative 6 months and 19.7+/-14.3 dB at postoperative 1 year, compared with preoperative ABG of 37.9+/-9.3 dB. There was no statistical difference of ABG at postoperative 12 months, 24 months between MFA using incus (n=17) and HA (n=15)(p=0.300, and p=0.563). There was no meaningful difference of postoperative ABG between the patients with combined mastoidectomy (n=10) and those without mastoidecmoy (n=22)(p=0.555). No extrusions occurred. CONCLUSIONS: MFA can be an effective option in the case of absent incus expecting good postoperative hearing results.

Prótese ossicular em orelha média: o que procurar?: [revisão] / Prosthetic ossicular on middle ear: what look?: [review]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi demonstrar os achados tomográficos normais e patológicos encontrados no pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos a implantes de prótese ossicular, avaliados retrospectivamente por tomografia computadorizada. A estapedectomia com inserção de prótese é considerada o método ideal em indivíduos com fechamento da janela oval secundário a otosclerosefenestral ou causas inflamatórias. Vários tipos de prótese são utilizados, dependendo da extensãoda doença e preferência do cirurgião. Os autores, após revisão da literatura, descrevem os achadospós-operatórios considerados normais e as várias complicações inerentes ao procedimentocirúrgico, incluindo perfuração da membrana timpânica, processo inflamatório pós-operatório, necrosecom subluxação ou extrusão da prótese, desenvolvimento de granuloma/colesteatoma oufibrose periprotética, fístula perilinfática, lesão do nervo facial, dentre outras. Os achados tomográficos relacionados ao pós-operatório, bem como às complicações supracitadas, são de grande importância para o conhecimento dos radiologistas, sendo imprescindível para a propedêutica diagnóstica uma estreita correlação clínico-cirúrgica.

The aim of this essay was to demonstrate the normal and pathological CT findings of the post-operative imaging of patients underwent ossicular prosthesis implants. The stapedectomy replacedby prosthesis is considered the “gold standard” treatment of patients with oval window closure, related to otosclerosis or otherinflammatory conditions. Several types of prosthesis are availableand the choice depends on the extension of the disease or thesurgeon’s preferences. Based on extensive literature review, thenormal postoperative findings, as well as some surgery inherentcomplications were described, including among others: perforationof the tympanic membrane, necrosis associated with subluxation/extrusion of the prosthesis. granuloma/cholesteatoma or periprosthetic fibrosis, perilymphatic fistula, facial nerve damage. The knowledge of post-operative and related complications CT findings is extremely useful for head and neck radiologist, but it is essentialfor an assertive diagnoses a close clinical correlation.

Biosilicate® Ototoxicity and Vestibulotoxicity evaluation in guinea-pigs / Avaliação da ototoxicidade e vestibulotoxicidade do biosilicato® em orelhas de cobaias

Changes, destructions and interruptions in middle ear ossicular chain architecture may be caused by infection, trauma, tumors, congenital alterations or prior surgeries. Nonetheless, infectious and inflammatory processes, focal or generalized which affect the middle ear are the most prevalent, causing a great demand for ossiculoplasty. Biosilicato® is a new material which can be used in the middle ear with the goal of reconstructing the ossicular chain. It is a bioactive type A vitroceramic, in other words, it binds to bone or soft tissue in a matter of a few hours, thanks to the formation of hydroxy-carbonateapatatie in its contact surface when in contact with body fluids. AIMS: The goal of the present paper is to assess biosilicate ototoxicity and vestibular toxicity in experimental animals, for later use in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This a clinical and experimental study in which otoacoustic emissions were performed before and after the placement of Biosilicate in the middle ear of experimental animals and a scanning electron microscopy was carried out in the cochlea, saccule, utriculus and macula of the semicircular canals after 30 and 90 days to assess oto and vestibular toxicity. RESULTS: There were no signs of oto or vestibular toxicity in any of the groups associated with biosilicate. CONCLUSION: Biosilicate is a safe material to be used in ossiculoplasties

As alterações, destruições e interrupções da arquitetura da cadeia ossicular da orelha média podem ser causadas por infecções, trauma, tumores, alterações congênitas ou cirurgias prévias. Entretanto os processos inflamatórios e infecciosos, focais ou generalizados que acometem a orelha média são os mais prevalentes, gerando uma enorme demanda de ossiculoplastias. O Biosilicato® é um novo material que pode ser usado em orelhas médias com o objetivo de reconstruir a cadeia ossicular. Constitui-se de uma vitrocerâmica bioativa do tipo A, ou seja, que se liga a tecido ósseo ou a tecido mole em algumas horas, devido à formação de hidroxicarbonatoapatita em sua superfície de contato quando em contato com fluidos corpóreos. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a ototoxicidade e vestibulotoxicidade do Biosilicato em cobaias, para posterior utilização em humanos. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo clínico e experimental, onde foram realizadas emissões otoacústicas antes e após a colocação de Biosilicato na orelha média de cobaias e realizada microscopia eletrônica de varredura da cóclea, sáculo, utrículo e máculas dos canais semicirculares após 30 e 90 dias para avaliar a oto e vestibulotoxicidade. RESULTADOS: Não houve sinais de oto ou vestibulotoxicidade em nenhum dos grupos relacionados ao Biosilicato. CONCLUSÃO: O Biosilicato é um material seguro para ser usado em ossiculoplastias.

Postoperative Results of Ossiculoplasty over Stapes Head / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUD AND OBJECTIVES: Incus erosion with intact stapes head was most common ossicular impairment in chronic otitis media. Here, we aimed to investigate hearing and clinical results of the ossiculoplasties when the stapes head was intact. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We analyzed 281 patients of ossiculoplasties over stapes head performed from 1990 to 2005. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Si group (n=121) included patients with interposition of prosthesis between malleus and stapes; Sc-PORP group (n=99) included patients with columellarization between tympanic membrane and stapes head with PORP; Sc-SC group (n=61) included patients with columellarization with the autologous materials between tympanic membrane and stapes head. Hearing improvement and extrusion rates of three groups were analyzed. RESULTS: At 6 months after the surgery, the postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) level within 20 dB was 45%, 44%, 25% in Si, Sc-PORP, Sc-Sc, respectively. The closure of ABG was statistically better in Si and Sc-PORP compared with Sc-SC. In canal wall-up mastoidectomy, Sc-PORP showed better hearing results than Si, while Si was better than Sc-PORP in canal wall-down mastoidectomy. At 36 months after the surgery, extrusion-free survival according to the type of ossiculoplasty were 100%, 89.6%, 100% in Si, Sc-PORP, Sc-SC, respectively. CONCLUSION: Si and Sc-PORP provide good hearing results. However, Si has lower extrusion rates than Sc-PORP and remains stable over time.

Hearing Results of Ossiculoplasty Using Polycel(R) Prosthesis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: During the last decade, the surgical use of alloplasts has become more and more widespread among otologists. In this study, we evaluated the hearing results of ossiculoplasty using Polycel(R) prosthesis. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: One hundred eighty eight cases who underwent ossicular chain reconstruction using Polycel(R) prosthesis and had been followed up postoperatively for more than 12 months at Severance Eye-ENT Hospital from 1998 to 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. Postoperative hearing results were assessed by measuring the postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) and closure in air-bone gap. Successful postoperative ABG criteria were defined as the following three groups ; ABG of < or =10 dB, ABG of < or =20 dB, and ABG of < or =30 dB. Several prognostic factors such as the condition of middle ear mucosa and ossicles, presence or absence of cholesteatoma, surgical method, staging and revision surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the total of 188 cases, 22 cases (11.7%) were < or =10 dB ABG, 96 (51.1%) cases were < or =20 dB ABG, and 158 (84.0%) cases were < or =30 dB ABG. The hearing results were good for healthy middle ear mucosa and cases which contained stapes superstructure, the hearing results were Good. CONCLUSION: Polycel(R) is a good material to be used in ossiculoplasty as a hydroxyapatite and autologous bone. In ossiculoplasty, good prognostic factors of the middle ear condition were healthy middle ear mucosa and the presence of stapes superstructure.

Biomechanical Characteristics of the Ossicular Prostheses Model Using the Finite Element Method / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Extrusion of the ossicular prosthesis into the eardrum has been a persisting a problem accompanying ossiculoplasty. There are several factors concerning extrusion of the prosthesis, for instance, eardrum retraction, infection and the figure of the prosthesis, etc. Recently, many studies have been performed to evaluate the cause of extrusion; however, there have not been any attempts to analyze the extrusion cause from the viewpoint of biomechanics. The purpose of this study is to calculate the stress and strain of the eardrum and the prosthesis and to find the ideal model that prevents extrusion. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Three kinds of the imaginary total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) were designed and biomechanically analyzed using the 3 dimensional finite element method. Equivalent stress and strains were measured and compared between the each group. The distribution of equivalent stress and strain on the eardrum and TORP were also observed. RESULTS: The concave disc shows the smallest in value of the maximum equivalent stress & the maximum equivalent strain. In all eardrums, the stress was concentrated along the contact area with the disc margin, especially toward the center of the eardrum. In all TORPs, the upper 1/4 of the shaft and margin of the disc toward center of the eardrum was the most stress-concentrated area. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that concave disc could be the most suitable for preventing extrusion.

Short Term Hearing Results of Assembled Allograft Septal CartilageOssiculoplasty of PORP and TORP Configuration / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Various techniques of ossicular reconstruction have been advocated for hearing restoration in the chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma. Although cartilage has good biocompatibility to minimize extrusion or displacement, and is readily available, versatile to use, the hearing results with cartilage graft are poorer than that with plastic materials. The author believed this was due to the sculpturing problem of cartilage, and has devised an assembled type of cartilage ossiculoplasty of PORP and TORP configuration. The technique and short term results are reviewed. METHODS: Of the patients who underwent ossiculoplasty between 1998 and 2000, 103 ears of 95 patients, aged 3-66 years (mean 38.9) were analysed retrospectively. The follow-up period was from 3 to 30 months (mean 9.5). Fifty-one ears were found to be in the second stage and 52 ears were in the first stage. Allograft septal cartilage was sculptured separately and assembled as head and shaft. The average threshold in the frequencies of 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz was used for determination of results. RESULTS: The preoperative mean air-bone gap (ABG) was 42.86+/-8.79 dB and postoperative ABG was 21.22+/-11.33 dB. Gain of ABG was 21.63+/-11.11 dB. Closure of the ABG to within 10 dB, 20dB and 30 dB were achieved in 25.24%, 55.34% and 83.50% respectively. Gain of the ABG did not differ between the one staged and the two staged ossiculoplasty. Patency of eustachian tube orifice and presence of superstructure of stapes did influence the hearing results of this type of ossiculoplasty. CONCLUSION: The assembled type of cartilage ossiculoplasty of PORP and TORP configuration with allograft septal cartilage ossiculoplasty shows satisfactory short term hearing results and represents an excellent alternative to biocompatible prosthesis for ossicular recon-struction.