Mechanics of the TORP/stapes interface

The gain in hearing as a result of ossicular prosthesis (TORP) placement on the stapes footplate was evaluated in 10 patients during actual middle ear reconstructive surgery. The patients with radical mastoidectomy cavities were operated on under local anaesthesia and intra-operative hearing was tested with the TORP shaft in three positions with regard to the stapes footplate: anterior, central and posterior. The anterior position of the shaft provided greater hearing improvement than the posterior position, with the central position falling approximately midway.     

Hearing results in pediatric patients with chronic otitis media after ossicular reconstruction with partial ossicular replacement prostheses and total ossicular replacement prostheses

OBJECTIVE: To examine hearing results in pediatric patients after ossicular reconstruction with partial ossicular replacement prostheses (PORPs) and total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORPs) in children with chronic otitis media. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 55 pediatric patients with chronic otitis media who underwent ossicular reconstruction from 1991 to 1998. Patients' audiograms were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively for pure-tone average (PTA), air-bone gap (ABG), speech reception threshold (SRT), method of ossicular reconstruction, and management of the mastoid. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients underwent ossicular reconstruction with TORPs. The average preoperative ABG was 40.1 dB, and the average postoperative ABG was 31.6 dB. Forty-one percent of the children improved their PTA greater than 10 dB postoperatively, and 52% of children did not change their ABG by more than 10 dB postoperatively. Nineteen percent of children with TORPs had a postoperative ABG less than 20 dB, and 44% of children with TORPs had a postoperative ABG less than 30 dB. Twenty-eight patients underwent ossicular reconstruction with PORPs. The average preoperative ABG was 29.7 dB, and the average postoperative ABG was 22.5 dB. Thirty-two percent of patients improved their PTA by greater than 10 dB, while 57% of children with PORPs did not change their ABG by more than 10 dB postoperatively. Forty-three percent of children with PORPs had an ABG of less than 20 dB postoperatively, and 71% of children with PORPs had a postoperative ABG less than or equal to 30 dB. CONCLUSIONS: Children who underwent ossicular reconstruction with PORPs had slightly better postoperative hearing than did children with TORPs. Postoperative hearing was essentially unchanged in approximately 55% of both groups. Preoperative hearing levels may be the most important factor determining postoperative hearing in nonstaged surgery for children with chronic otitis media Long-term hearing results in children with single-stage surgery were not as good as those reported in the literature for staged surgery. Severe mucosal disease and eustachian tube dysfunction may contribute to poorer hearing results in children.     

Long‐Term Stapedectomy Results With the McGee Stapes Prosthesis

Objective To report long‐term follow up on patients undergoing stapedectomy with the McGee stapes prosthesis. Study Design A retrospective case series. Methods Charts recording 170 stapedectomies (120 primary and 50 revision stapedectomies) from 1989 to 1999 were analyzed, and audiometric data and the findings at repeat exploration reported. Results Over a 10‐year period, 11.2% of patients had failure of their initial air‐bone gap closure with the McGee piston. Seventy‐seven percent (in 10 of 13 patients) of McGee pistons that failed were found to have the platinum ribbon displaced laterally from the incus and the piston pushed out of the stapedotomy. The failure rate was not significantly different (P = .72) from that in our patients who underwent placement of a Robinson cup prosthesis (9.5%), but the pattern of displacement was unique. Failures occurred earlier with the McGee piston (average time to failure of 2.5 y) than with the Robinson cup (average time to failure of 8.6 y). Conclusion The McGee piston was found to have a unique pattern of dislocation that is likely related to the malleable nature of the platinum ribbon and loosening of the crimped “shepherd's crook” over time.     

Titanium ossicular chain reconstruction in single stage canal wall down tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media with mucosa defect

Purpose

To evaluate surgical outcomes for chronic otitis media with mucosa defect underwent titanium ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR) in single stage canal wall down tympanoplasty (CWD).

外伤性听骨链中断和脱位的诊断及治疗

目的:探讨常见外伤性听骨链中断和脱位的诊断治疗及术后疗效。方法:8例(8耳)外伤性听骨链中断,其中6例为单侧传导性聋,2例混合性聋且以传导性为主;8耳均行鼓室探查,并行听骨链重建术,其中1耳行全听骨(TORP)重建术,4耳行部分听骨(PORP)重建术,2耳行听骨链复位,1耳用人工砧骨重建,通过术前术后气骨导差比较疗效。结果:术前听力检查示平均气骨导差为42.9dB,术后3周平均气骨导差为22.3dB,较术前缩小20.6dB(t=22.10,P<0.01),术后6～8个月平均气骨导差为18.6dB,较术前缩小24.3dB(t=12.813,P<0.01)。结论:外伤性听骨链中断或脱位引起的传导性听力下降,根据术中情况采用不同听骨链重建术可以明显提高听力,治疗首选手术。     

Congenital stapes ankylosis: study of 28 cases and surgical results

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze functional results after stapes surgery in patients with congenital nonprogressive conductive deafness resulting from an isolated fixation of the stapes according to age and surgical procedure. STUDY DESIGN: The authors conducted a retrospective case series from March 1993 to December 2003 in patients from two tertiary referral centers. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were operated on by stapedotomy or partial stapedectomy using Teflon stapes prostheses. The median age at surgery was 14.2 years (range, 8.3-29.1 years). Main outcome measures were clinical and audiometric evaluation before and after surgery. Mean air conduction (MAC) and bone conduction (MBC) thresholds were recorded at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. The evaluation of functional outcome was based on the MAC gain, the MBC comparison, and the mean postoperative and residual air-bone gaps. RESULTS: The median preoperative MAC was 50 dB (range, 19.0-65.0 dB) with a 35.0 dB median dB air-bone gap. With a mean follow up of 19 months, postoperative hearing improvement was statistically significant: median gain of 32.5 dB (P<.001) and median residual air-bone gap of 3.5 dB. The MBC was also statistically improved with median pre- and postoperative MBC of 11.5 and 6.5 dB, respectively (P<.001). Results were not dependent on the age group or type of surgery (stapedotomy or partial stapedectomy). No perceptive hearing loss was observed despite one gusher case. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of isolated congenital stapes ankylosis allows good functional results regardless of age or type of surgery.     

Ossiculoplasty in young children with the Applebaum incudostapedial joint prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of the Applebaum incudostapedial joint prosthesis in young children in terms of hearing results and long-term stability despite continuing eustachian tube dysfunction and otitis media. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of all Applebaum prostheses placed in children at our institution from June 1993 to June 1998. RESULTS: In 1993 Applebaum proposed the use of a hydroxylapatite ossicular prosthesis as an alternative to incus interposition for the repair of incudostapedial discontinuity. We have used this prosthesis exclusively for the repair of such defects in children over the past 5 years. Among 12 operated ears, all healed, all prostheses remain in place (average duration, 2.6 y), and all children have excellent hearing (mean air-bone gap, 15 dB; range, 5-25 dB). CONCLUSIONS: The Applebaum incudostapedial joint prosthesis restores conductive hearing even in young children. It has been stable in the face of recurrent otitis media and has not interfered with revision surgery. Placement of the prosthesis at primary cholesteatoma surgery should be considered in children.     

Tympanosclerosis involving the ossicular chain: mobility of the stapes in association with hearing results

Conclusion. The preoperative bone conduction level provides not only prognostic information but also information on the mobility of the stapes in tympanosclerosis. The surgical results depend upon the stapes mobility.

Objectives. We aimed to evaluate operative findings and hearing results of tympanosclerosis involving the ossicular chain, in order to understand the pathophysiology and to establish better surgical treatment of tympanosclerosis.

Patients and methods. Between January 1998 and March 2004, 29 patients (29 ears) with tympanosclerosis involving the ossicular chain underwent tympanoplasty at our hospital. Patients with myringosclerosis only, or with an associated cholesteatoma, were excluded from this study. The clinical and operational records and pre- and postoperative pure tone audiograms were reviewed retrospectively.

Results. Intact canal wall tympanoplasty was applied to all 29 patients. A non-staged operation was performed on 21 patients, and a staged operation was performed on the remaining 8 patients. In 25 patients (86.2%), the sclerotic lesion of the ossicles was located in the epitympanum. In the remaining four, the sclerotic lamella coated only the ossicular chain. On average, the preoperative air conduction hearing level of 57.9 dB was significantly improved to 46.3 dB after tympanoplasty. The success rate of middle ear surgery was 65.5% (19 of 29 patients), according to the criteria of the Otological Society of Japan. In 16 patients (55.2%), the mobility of the stapes was preserved (group A), while in the remaining 13 patients (44.8%), the stapes was fixed (group B). The mean preoperative bone conduction of 25.5 dB in group A was significantly better than that of 37.2 dB in group B. The hearing result significantly improved in group A but not in group B. The success rates were 75% (12 of 16 patients) in group A and 53.8% (7 of 13 patients) in group B.     

Analysis of long-term hearing after tympanosclerosis with total/partial stapedectomy and prosthesis used

Conclusion. Long-term hearing gain results are good after prosthetic reconstruction of the stapes in the tympanosclerotic ear. The type of stapedectomy, whether partial or total, does not affect the result of the surgery very much. Objectives. Comparative evaluation of the hearing results of total/partial stapedectomy technique and the prosthesis used within a 10-year follow-up period after stapedectomy in cases with dense tympanosclerosis and completely fixed stapes. Patients and methods. Twenty-five cases with completely fixed stapes due to generalized tympanosclerosis were included in this retrospective study between 1995 and 2005. Two-stage canal wall up procedure was planned for all cases, and stapedectomy was performed at the second stage. After the second stage, 25 ears in the sixth month, 18 ears in the first year, 14 ears in the second year, and 7 ears in the tenth year were available for follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative air–bone gap values of the patients and their hearing gain were compared. Total stapedectomy was carried out in 17 of the patients and partial stapedectomy in 8 of them. For ossiculoplasty, a plastipore total ossicular replacement prosthesis was used in 17 patients, homograft ossicle in 2 patients, and Teflon piston in 6 patients. Results. In 17 cases in which we used total stapedectomy, the average preoperative air–bone gap value improved from 40.23 to 18.47 in the sixth month, and from 38.4 dB to 9.6 dB in the tenth year. In eight cases in which we used partial stapedectomy, the average preoperative air–bone gap improved from 38.63 dB to 24.38 dB and from 35 dB to 17 dB, respectively. The average postoperative hearing gain with total stapedectomy was 21.76 dB in the sixth month and 28.8 dB in the tenth year. Hearing gain with partial stapedectomy was successively 14.25 dB and 18 dB. When we compared the results of total prosthesis and Teflon pistons among the materials used in ossiculoplasty, although hearing gain with total prostheses was better, the results were not statistically significant.     

Hearing results with a hydroxylapatite/titanium bell partial ossicular replacement prosthesis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To study the preliminary hearing results in patients receiving a hybrid hydroxylapatite/titanium bell partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) and compare these with a cohort of patients receiving a HAPEX PORP. We hypothesized that the design of the hybrid PORP would enhance its acoustic properties. In particular, the titanium bell, which allows the prosthesis to be freestanding, would obviate the need for Gelfoam, preventing fibrosis. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study was made of two cohorts of patients. METHODS: A computerized otologic database was used to identify all patients implanted with either PORP. The four-frequency (500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz) pure-tone average air-bone gap (PTA-ABG) and ABG values for individual frequencies were compared using the Student test. RESULTS: The PTA-ABG for the titanium bell prosthesis was 9.8 +/- 5.7 dB, compared with 13.2 +/- 8.3 dB for the HAPEX PORP, which was statistically significant ( P<.05). The average ABG values at 500 and 1000 Hz were also statistically significantly improved with the titanium bell PORP ( P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The titanium bell PORP showed improved postoperative results for the PTA-ABG and at 500 Hz and 1000 Hz. The prosthesis is freestanding and may provide better coupling with the capitulum, factors which may lead to improved hearing results in the lower frequencies.     

Tympano-ossiculoplasty utilizing the Spiggle and Theis titanium total ossicular replacement prosthesis

OBJECTIVE: Since 1993, titanium prostheses have been used in Europe as a biocompatible implant for ossicular reconstruction. More recently, the titanium ossicular prosthesis has become more widely available in the United States as a newer means of surgical restoration of hearing. We will review the hearing results of patients who have undergone tympano-ossiculoplasty using a titanium total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TOP). We will compare these results to our previously published results using the porous polyethylene TOP. METHODS: Retrospective review in a tertiary otologic practice. RESULTS: Eighteen patients underwent tympano-ossiculoplasty with a titanium TOP. Among these patients, 10 cases involved revision of a previously placed ossicular prosthesis. Hearing results showed that 16 of 18 patients (89%) had closure of the postoperative air-bone gap to within 20 dB, and the average air-bone gap improvement was 23 dB. The average follow-up time was 8 months (range, 2-21 months). The results of this initial evaluation compare favorably with the results that we obtained using a porous polyethylene TOP in which 67% of 133 patients closed the air-bone gap to within 20 dB. CONCLUSION: We have recently begun using the titanium TOP, which has resulted in improved postoperative hearing when compared with the porous polyethylene TOP. In the future, longer follow-up and increased patient numbers will strengthen our conclusions.     

单纯性听骨链畸形的临床诊治探讨

摘要：目的探讨单纯性听骨链畸形的临床诊断与治疗。方法通过对2014年1月~2016年1月收治的6例单纯性听骨链畸形患者的临床资料进行分析,总结探讨其临床诊治。结果6例患者均表现为中度到中重度传导或混合性耳聋。手术探查发现6例患者中,砧骨长脚缺失1例,砧镫关节脱位1例,术中通过部分人工听骨（partial ossicular replacement prosthesis,PORP）进行听力重建;砧骨长脚、镫骨上结构缺失,而镫骨足板活动可1例,术中通过全人工听骨（total ossicular replacement prosthesis,TORP）进行听力重建;镫骨足板固定1例,术中通过镫骨足板开窗,人工镫骨（piston）进行听力重建;砧、镫骨畸形并面神经骑跨前庭窗表面1例,谈话后未行听力重建;砧、镫骨畸形1例,面神经骑跨前庭窗下方,术中行piston听力重建。听骨形态异常患者在术前通过中耳HRCT可初步判断,听骨关节脱位、镫骨固定则需在术中探查以明确诊断。结论准确的听力学检查是单纯性听骨链畸形诊断的第一道门槛,而耳乳突HRCT检查对诊断亦有重要作用,临床中对于难以解释的传导性耳聋必要时行鼓室探查术,避免漏诊。     

Allograft stapes surgery for conductive hearing loss in patients with ossicular chain anomalies

An allograft stapes was used during surgical intervention for conductive hearing loss due to ossicular malformations in 11 ears of seven patients. The external auditory canal and tympanic membrane were normal in all ears. The surgical findings for the ossicles were stapes fixation (7 ears), stapes fixation with discontinuity of the incudostapedial joint (in both ears of one patient), a deformed incus and stapes crura compressed by the facial nerve (one ear in which the stapes was not fixed) and an anomaly of the incus and stapes combined with a dermoid cyst (in one ear in which the stapes was also not fixed). In all ears, the following procedures were performed: stapedectomy followed by sealing the oval window with a vein graft and placing an allograft stapes between the oval window and the lenticular process of the incus or the handle of the malleus. The allograft stapes was placed with its capitulum on the oval window in all cases, and fibrin glue was used for stabilizing the seal and the allograft stapes. The indications for stapedectomy for conductive hearing loss due to ossicular chain anomalies and the utility of allograft stapes are discussed.     

乳突切开术并一期听骨链重建的临床疗效分析

目的：评估乳突切开术并一期行听骨链重建的临床疗效。方法：对2008-01～2011-06期间在我科住院行乳突切开术并一期钛人工听骨植入手术并且有完整随访资料的患者139例进行回顾分析,其中置入部分听骨赝复物（PORP）者91例,置入全听骨赝复物（TORP）者48例,随访时间为2～5年,纯音测听法（PTA）检测患者术前及术后听力,比较手术前后的气导听阈（0．5、1．0、2．0、4．0kHz四个频率气导之平均值）及气骨导差（ABG）,分析钛人工听骨在同期听骨链重建术的听力重建效果。术后ABG≤20dB为听力提高有效。结果：PORP植入患者术前气导平均听阈为（53．97±11．32）dB,术后为（36．80土11．68）dB,平均降低（17．17±5．79）dB;术前ABG平均为（31．84±6．17）dB,术后为（15．13±7．22）dB,平均缩小（16．71±5．50）dB;TORP组患者术前气导平均听阈为（58．05±11．35）dB,术后为（44．53±13．15）dB,平均降低（13．52±7．81）dB;术前ABG平均为（35．67±5．73）dB,术后为（21．48±7．01）dB,平均缩小（14．18±7．53）dB;各组术前术后的差异均有统计学意义（P〈O．01）。PORP组术后ABG≤20dB者（术后听力提高有效）共68例,有效率为74．73％;TORP组术后ABG≤20dB者共26例,有效率为54．13％;总有效率为68．63％,两组之间的差异有统计学意义（P＜0．05）。结论：乳突切开术并同期钛人工听骨植入取得了良好的听力效果,PORP比TORP的听力改善效果好。     

Optimum tension for partial ossicular replacement prosthesis reconstruction in the human middle ear

OBJECTIVE: Hearing results from ossiculoplasty are unpredictable. There are many potentially modifiable parameters. One parameter that has not been adequately investigated in the past is the effect of tension on the mechanical functioning of the prosthesis. Our goal was to investigate this parameter further, with the hypothesis that the mechanical functioning of partial ossicular replacement prostheses (PORP) from the stapes head to the eardrum will be affected by the tension that they are placed under. METHODS: Fresh temporal bones were used to reconstruct a missing incus defect with a PORP-type prosthesis. Three different lengths of PORP were used, and the stapes vibrations were measured with a laser Doppler vibrometer using a calibrated standard sound in the ear canal. Eight temporal bones were used. RESULTS: Tension had a very significant effect on stapes vibration. In general, loose prostheses resulted in the best overall vibration transmission. The effects were most marked at the lower frequencies. There was a slight advantage to tight prostheses in the higher frequencies, but much less than the decrement in lower frequencies with tight prostheses. CONCLUSION: In ossicular reconstruction, best stapes vibration results in our model are achieved by shorter prostheses, which result in lower tension.