Effect of fixation of superior mallear ligament and anterior mallear ligament on the middle ear transfer function-finite element modeling

Abstract

Objective:To study the effect of fixation of superiormallear ligament (SML) and anterior mallear ligament(AML) on the middle ear transfer function. Method:A middle ear finite element model was established using micro-CT scanning from an adult temporal bone with normal middle ear structure. And the fixation model of SML and AML were established by changing its Young's modulus. Calculation of fixation and detachment of the two ligaments on the middle ear transfer function. Result:Displacement of tympanic membrane and stapes footplate was decreased significantly in case of fixation in both AML and SML, especially in the low frequency region.The SML fixation increased the amplitude of the stapes footplate by 3 dB between 1-2 kHz. In case of SML fixation along and both the SML and AML all fixation, the vibration of the stapes footplate was decreased obviously by 4 dB and 6 dB, respectively. By contrast, detachment of the SML and AML have little effect on the displacement of the stapes footplate. Conclusion:It is different that the effect of AML and SML on the vibration of the tympanic membrane and the stapes footplate. The SML fixation decreased the displacement of tympanic membrane and stapes footplate. Both the SML and SML all fixated decrease the stapes footplate significantly.But, there is little effect of the detachment of SML and AML on the displacement of the stapes footplate.