Reporting Results in Ossiculoplasty

Abstract

Further in-depth analysis of reporting methods is overdue. The matter is one of an international measure standard and should be subject to a global discussion, written and oral, to produce an adequately researched and formulated consensus. This in turn may provide the clinical and theoretical tools by which this troubled area can be more effectively analyzed.

Comparison of total and partial ossicular replacement prostheses in patients with an intact stapes suprastructure

“…Our data are in agreement with another study in which TORP with an intact stapes was investigated; those authors proved that good audiological outcomes could be achieved with this approach . Unfortunately, information about the presence of the malleus handle was lacking in the majority of our cases, indicating the limitations of retrospective data reporting on one hand and the importance of detailed surgical description on the other …”

Prognostic Factors in Ossiculoplasty

“…However, reality is marked by a lack of standard reporting protocols and the consequent inability to realistically assess methods and case series (5).…”

“…Austin's (7) ossicular classification is a simple but effective description of the status of the chain. His ossicular groupings (A, malleus handle [MH] and stapes superstructure [SSS] present; B, MH present and SSS absent; C, MH absent and SSS present; D, MH absent and SSS absent) have been the basis for reporting results in a large number of works (5,7,8) and the Middle Ear Risk (MER) index of Kartush (9).…”

Hydroxyapatite Versus Titanium Ossiculoplasty

“…Postoperative BC thresholds may increase in some cases of successful ossiculoplasty and decrease in case of sensorineural hearing loss (21). When series are averaged, two elements mask each other: BC threshold elevation (especially at 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz) and BC depression (especially at 4 kHz).…”