[Fixed mallear head syndrome]

Abstract

Fixed head malleus syndrome is a rare anatomoclinical entity first described by Goodhill in 1966. We present a series of 9 patients who underwent surgery between 1991 and 1997 and discuss the technical procedures used and functional outcome. Ossicular mobility can be re-established with two surgical methods. The more simple method consists in a classical incus transposition with malleus neck section. The more physiological method consists in drilling the synostosis fixing the malleus without disrupting the ossicular chain; stapedotomy is associated in certain cases (Type III).