Stapes prosthesis length and hearing outcomes

Abstract

Objectives: First, to determine if prosthesis length plays a role in optimizing successful hearing outcomes in stapedotomy surgery; and second, to determine if patient factors such as height are correlated with prosthesis length.

Study design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing stapedotomy surgeries with adequate follow up. Length of prosthesis, pre-/postoperative audiograms, and follow-up data were obtained.

Results: The primary group consisted of 227 cases. The prosthesis length ranged from 3.75 mm to 4.75 mm (median 4.25 mm). The greatest improvement in postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) occurred in the 4.25 mm group, and the least in the 3.75 mm group. Patient height showed a positive, although weak, correlation with prosthesis length. No findings reached statistical significance.

Conclusion: Accurate measurement of prosthesis length is important for successful postoperative hearing outcomes. There is a positive but not significant correlation between patient height and prosthesis length.

Level of evidence: 4. Laryngoscope, 128:722-726, 2018.

Keywords: Stapedectomy; otosclerosis; prosthesis length; prosthesis measurement; stapedotomy.