Clinical Evaluation of Congenital Stapedial Anomalies

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A nonprogressive and conductive hearing loss in the range of 40 to 60 dB with normal tympanic membrane is highly suggestive of a congenital ossicular malformation. Among the ossicular anomalies, congenital stapedial anomaly is most common, and it is clinically important because hearing loss can be corrected by appropriate procedure. In this study, we attempted to describe patterns of stapes anomalies encountered in patients who have a normal ear drum. We also analysed the surgical result with special reference to the patterns of stapes anomaly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We experienced 17 cases (20 ears) of congenital stapedial anomalies which were confirmed through the explo-tympanotomy at Ajou University Hospital between June 1994 and March 1997. The preoperative and postoperative audiologic findings, operative findings and CT findings were analysed. RESULT: There were 5 types of stapes anomalies with 7 anomalous patterns among which stapes footplate fixation was the most common anomaly. We could get 78.9% of hearing improvement after ossiculoplasty with several prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Stapes footplate fixation was usually bilateral, while partial stapes anomalies or anomalies associated with incus anomaly was usually unilateral. The surgical result of stapes anomaly was good.