Results of ossicular chain reconstruction with glass ionomer cement in pediatric patients

ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to analyze the hearing results of ossicular chain reconstruction in incus long process defects in pediatric patients.MethodsThis retrospective study included 15 pediatric patients that had incus long process defect due to chronic otitis media or adhesive otitis, and repaired with glass ionomer cement between 2009 and 2015. The audiological tests (air conduction thresholds, bone conduction thresholds, air bone gap) obtained preoperatively and one year after surgery were compared. In addition, preoperative and postoperative air bone gap differences were estimated to determine hearing gain.ResultsMean air conduction and air bone gaps decreased significantly one year after surgery when compared to the preoperative values (p< 0.001 for both). Mean hearing gain was 20.33 ± 6.36 dB one year after surgery.ConclusionUse of glass ionomer cement to repair incus long process defects is a suitable method that improves hearing in pediatric patients. Further large studies that compare glass ionomer cement ossiculoplasty with other ossicular reconstruction methods are needed.