A comparison of autograft incus and titanium prostheses in primary ossiculoplasty in modified radical mastoidectomy

Abstract

Background: Numerous graft materials are available for ossicular reconstruction yet, no single option is considered ideal. This study aims to analyze and compare the outcome of primary ossiculoplasty in terms of hearing gain using autograft incus and titanium (Ti) prostheses in patients with active squamosal chronic otitis media (COM) undergoing modified radical mastoidectomy (MRM). Study Design: Randomized study. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with active squamosal COM with ossicular chain erosion undergoing MRM were divided into two equal groups. First group underwent ossiculoplasty with autograft incus and the second group received Ti prostheses. Follow-up was done over a period of 6 months and hearing thresholds were evaluated postoperatively at 3rd and 6th month at the four frequency average of 0.5/1/2/4 KHz. Results: There was no significant difference in air conduction (AC) gain when the inter-group comparison is made (P > 0.05 at 3rd and 6th month), however, intra-group AC gain was significant in both groups, at the end of the 3rd month and 6th month (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Autograft incus and Ti prostheses both give a comparable hearing gain in ossicular reconstruction. Ti prostheses are a good alternative in longstanding cases of active squamous COM without any available ossicular autograft for hearing reconstruction.