Osteogenesis imperfecta is not in itself a contraindication to stapedectomy. Thirty stapedectomies were performed on 24 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. Thin ossicles, crural fractures, and thick, mushy, granular footplates predominate in this condition. Deficient, short crura that did not contact the footplate were noted in three patients; this is possibly a new clinical observation. Three times in this small series the endosteum was so thick that it was possible to fenestrate the soft, granular, mush-like footplate without invading the vestibule. Extreme caution in handling the incus is necessary. Conductive hearing loss can be relieved through stapedectomy in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta with about the same level of predictability as in those with otosclerosis.
Premature extrusion of ventilating tubes continues to plague both doctor and patient. Migrating epithelium on the lateral surface of the drum has been identified as the principal cause of tube migration and extrusion. This information dictates insertion of a tube in an area where the migrating forces tend to keep the tube in place instead of encouraging rejection. When optimally placed, tubes specifically designed for long-term ventilation will function four times longer than randomly placed conventional tubes. The long-term ventilating tube in use since 1965 has been further refined. A notch and tab on the tube mate with a new inserter/suction device, and this combination permits precise placement through a small incision without tilting and twisting during insertion. Suction may be applied as desired to clear the lumen as the insertion tool is withdrawn.
Chordomas are rare tumors of notochordal origin which arise in the sacral, vertebral, and craniocervical areas. Most patients with craniocervical chordomas have either neurological or ophthalmological symptoms. A patient presented with a parotid mass which was initially diagnosed as benign mixed tumor. One and one-half years later, this patient was found to have an extensive intracranial tumor which was diagnosed as chordoma. Treatment consisted of subtotal surgical excision and radiotherapy. This case demonstrates an unusual presentation of an unusual tumor and the difficulty that may arise in in diagnosing these tumors.
Tympanostomy tubes are employed when middle ear ventilation is indicated, particularly when other forms of treatment have failed. Few other uses have broad acceptance. Any other insertion of a ventilating tube implies abuse, either through error in diagnosis or deliberate misapplication. Hard statistical data relating to abuse are impossible to obtain, but ample illustrations can be cited. The cost-benefit ratio is difficult to assess. Cost of a myringotomy and tube versus the cost of a tympanomastoidectomy was determined in four geographic areas. These figures, however, do not reveal how many ears were spared and how much hearing was conserved by tympanostomy tubes. Informed, diligently aggressive use of tympanostomy tubes offers greater potential to avoid serious middle ear disorders and complications than any other single modality.
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