Operative management of superior semicircular canal dehiscence

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of patients undergoing surgical management of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: The medical records of all patients undergoing surgical treatment for SSCD at our institution between 2000 and 2004 were reviewed. RESULTS: Eleven patients underwent unilateral operative management via a middle fossa approach. Ten patients were treated successfully by canal plugging and one unsuccessfully by canal re-roofing. Plugging of SSCD provided resolution of sound- and pressure-induced nystagmus, autophony, and conductive hearing loss (HL). One patient experienced a mild high-frequency sensorineural HL and two patients experienced both a mild high-frequency sensorineural HL and a reduction in vestibular function. Two additional patients underwent exploration for SSCD but were found to have a thin layer of bone overlying the canal. CONCLUSIONS: Plugging of the SSCD, while efficacious in alleviating the symptoms of the disease, may cause loss of labyrinthine function beyond the superior canal.