Ossiculoplasty

Abstract

Contemporary surgical techniques for treating various pathologies affecting the middle ear address not only eradication of the underlying disease process but also restoration of normal auditory function. Trauma, neoplasms, inflammatory processes, and cholesteatomas can erode and alter normal middle ear components and relationships vital for the transmission of auditory energy to the inner ear. Over the last five decades, various ossiculoplasty techniques and prostheses have been studied and reported in the literature. Unfortunately, the multitude of reconstructive techniques attests to the fact that none of the currently available methods are ideal.