Malleostapedotomy in tympanosclerosis patients

OBJECTIVES: To present our personal experience of a series of 10 patients suffering from tympanosclerosis with functional blocking of the stapes or footplate, who underwent malleostapedotomy surgery. The criteria for patient selection for this type of operation, and its results and complications, are discussed. METHODS: Prospective study. RESULTS: Incus and malleus dysfunction was observed in 70 per cent of cases, either alone or combined with fixation of the stapes. The post-operative hearing results were considered to be satisfactory (i.e. within 20 dB) in 80 per cent of cases. Only one patient had sensorineural hearing loss over 10 dB. CONCLUSIONS: Malleostapedotomy has proved its practicability in the treatment of patients with fixed footplate or stapes complicated by ankylosis of the incudomalleolar joint. This procedure can be considered a further, valid technique within the otologist's surgical armamentarium.