Vertical Strut Ossiculoplasty: A Versatile Alternate to Conventional Techniques—A Randomized study

• Published in: Indian journal of otolaryngology, and head, and neck surgery and head, and neck surgery, 2021-09, Vol.73 (3), p.360-365
• Main Authors: Saini, Yogendra Kumar, Singhal, Pawan, Prabhu, K. P. Surendra, Nagaraj, Sushmitha, Amreen, Sharma, Shivam, Yadav, Rajeev, Aeron, Bhawani Singh, Munjal, Sudeep, Sharma, Man Prakash
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cartilage; Head and Neck Surgery; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original; Original Article; Otorhinolaryngology
• ISSN: 2231-3796; 0973-7707
• DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-02614-9

Introduction Various ossicular reconstruction materials and techniques have been described in literature using autologous ossicle, cortical bone, autologous cartilage, synthetic materials and implants like total/partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP/PORP) etc., but it has always been a topic of controversy in terms of the efficacy, longevity and complications of the material or method used. Material and Methods This is a prospective, interventional, comparative, double-blind randomized control study which was done at a tertiary care center to compare outcomes of conventional and carved conchal cartilage (vertical strut) type III Tympanoplasty in terms of graft uptake and hearing gain. A total number of 52 cases were enrolled, randomized and allocated to 2 groups (26 each) i.e. group A (conventional type III) and group B (vertical strut technique). Results Graft uptake was seen in 25 (96.16%) patients in group B while it was observed in 23 (88.5%) cases in group A. Hearing gains were also better in group B. Conclusion This study suggests that Vertical Strut technique can be studied further as it gives better gains in Air Conduction threshold and A-B Gap along with graft uptake as it provides better middle ear space and ossicular / tympanic membrane interface resulting in better hearing.