A Short Term Comparison of Cartilage with Temporalis Fascia Graft Tympanoplasty in Paediatric and Adolescent Population

Abstract

To compare the anatomic and functional outcomes of the cartilage and temporalis fascia graft materials in type 1 tympanoplasty in paediatric and adolescent population. A total of 55 patients aged <18 years who required type 1 tympanoplasty were selected. 30 patients underwent cartilage palisade tympanoplasty and 25 using temporalis fascia grafts. The age, the side of the operated ear, the operative technique, pre- and post operative pure tone and impedance audiological results, and the status of the graft were noted. Graft was considered taken up if there was successful closure of tympanic membrane perforation. At the end of 6 months, the graft take rate for cartilage was 90% and for temporalis fascia it was 80% (p > 0.05). ABG closure ratio in cartilage group was 58.54 ± 23.10% and in temporalis fascia group was 56.46 ± 27.4% (p > 0.05). Pre operatively all patients had type B tympanogram in both the groups. While post operatively either type A or C curve was seen in 80% patients of cartilage and 68% patients of temporalis fascia group. Hearing outcomes and graft success rates were high in both fascia and cartilage graft groups but not significantly different.

Keywords: Cartilage; Pediatric; Temporalis fascia; Tympanoplasty.

Fig. 1

Cartilage cut into palisades

Fig. 2

Cartilage palisades placed by underlay technique

Fig. 3

Post op 3rd month

Fig. 4

Post op 6th month

Fig. 5

Comparison of pre operative and post operative air bone gaps. X axis time, Y axis air bone gap in db