Incudostapedial Joint Research Articles

Idiopathic Inflammatory Arthritis in the Auditory Canal in a Patient With Hearing Impairment: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Inflammatory arthritis can affect the auditory system during the disease course. Although most cases show asymptomatic hearing impairment, it can result in hearing loss. Here we describe the case of a 70-year-old female with hearing impairment associated with idiopathic inflammatory arthritis in her auditory system. She had suffered from hearing difficulties for decades; however, the causes of her hearing impairment had not been evaluated. Pure tone audiometry showed severe sensorineural hearing loss requiring a cochlear implant. The workup for the cochlear implant revealed erosive changes in the incudomalleolar and incudostapedial joints with soft tissue swelling on temporal bone computed tomography. Bone pathology revealed plasmacytic infiltration and granulomatous inflammation. Laboratory examinations showed elevated levels of inflammatory markers; otherwise, she had negative results for all autoantibodies. In patients with idiopathic hearing loss, inflammatory arthritis of the middle ear without peripheral arthritis can provide a clue regarding the cause of the hearing loss.

A New Frontier in Temporal Bone Imaging: Photon-Counting Detector CT Demonstrates Superior Visualization of Critical Anatomic Structures at Reduced Radiation Dose.

Photon-counting detector CT is a new technology with a limiting spatial resolution of ≤150 μm. In vivo comparisons between photon-counting detector CT and conventional energy-integrating detector CT are needed to determine the clinical impact of photon counting-detector CT in temporal bone imaging. Prospectively recruited patients underwent temporal bone CT examinations on an investigational photon-counting detector CT system after clinically indicated temporal bone energy-integrating detector CT. Photon-counting detector CT images were obtained at an average 31% lower dose compared with those obtained on the energy-integrating detector CT scanner. Reconstructed images were evaluated in axial, coronal, and Pöschl planes using the smallest available section thickness on each system (0.4 mm on energy-integrating detector CT; 0.2 mm on photon-counting detector CT). Two blinded neuroradiologists compared images side-by-side and scored them using a 5-point Likert scale. A post hoc reassignment of readers' scores was performed so that the scores reflected photon-counting detector CT performance relative to energy-integrating detector CT. Thirteen patients were enrolled, resulting in 26 image sets (left and right sides). The average patient age was 63.6 [SD, 13.4] years; 7 were women. Images from the photon-counting detector CT scanner were significantly preferred by the readers in all reconstructed planes (P < .001). Photon-counting detector CT was rated superior for the evaluation of all individual anatomic structures, with the oval window (4.79) and incudostapedial joint (4.75) receiving the highest scores on a Likert scale of 1-5. Temporal bone CT images obtained on a photon-counting detector CT scanner were rated as having superior spatial resolution and better critical structure visualization than those obtained on a conventional energy-integrating detector scanner, even with a substantial dose reduction.

The effect of female hormone in otosclerosis. A comparative study and speculation about their effect on the ossicular chain based on the clinical results

PurposeThis study aimed at identifying gender differences in the hearing thresholds in a sample of patients with otosclerosis before and after surgery to understand the impact of female hormones on auditory thresholds.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 184 patients (123 women and 61 men) affected by otosclerosis. All the patients were affected by conductive hearing loss and treated by stapedoplasty. Auditory thresholds at the baseline (T0) and one month after surgery (T30) were collected. Air and bone thresholds and Air Bone Gap (ABG) were compared between females and males using one-way ANOVA.ResultsStatistically significant differences were observed comparing the air threshold at T0 vs T30 both in women and men (p < 0.0001). No statistically significant differences were observed in the bone conduction thresholds before and after surgery. The comparison between females and males showed statistically significant differences both at T0 (p < 0.01) and T30 (p < 0.05) for air conduction thresholds and ABG at 4000 Hz.ConclusionAlthough stapedoplasty reduced the difference between females and males in the air conduction thresholds and ABG, women showed better recovery of their middle ear function with better auditory thresholds and ABG. The female hormones might positively impact the ligaments of the incudostapedial joint improving chain flexibility. This benefit might explain the statistically significant difference observed in women at 4000 Hz before and after surgery.

Ossiculoplasty in incudostapedial joint defects: audiologic outcomes of three type of partial ossicular prostheses in retrospective clinical study 1995‐2015

Ossiculoplasty in incudostapedial joint defects: audiologic outcomes of three type of partial ossicular prostheses in retrospective clinical study 1995‐2015

Measurement of Incus and Stapes Velocity Following Sound Stimulus in the Setting of Incudostapedial Joint Separation and Reconstruction.

Understand the biophysical property changes of incudostapedial joint (ISJ) separation and ossicular hydroxyapatite application on middle ear function. Basic science. Cadaveric temporal bone research laboratory. A complete mastoidectomy was performed on five human temporal bones. A Laser Doppler Vibrometer was utilized to obtain velocity transfer function measurements of the incus and stapes across a range of frequencies in response to an acoustic stimulus. Under binocular microscopy the ISJ was separated and subsequently repaired with bone cement. Measurements were taken prior to ISJ separation, following joint separation, 30 to 60 min postrepair of the joint, and again 24 to 48 h postrepair of the joint. The stapes measurements taken from the intact ossicular chain and from the chains repaired with bone cement demonstrated a similar distribution of measurements. The ISJ separation showed dramatically reduced velocity transfer function stapes measurements but increased incus velocity transfer function measurements. In the early and delayed repaired chains, the mean velocity of the incus and stapes velocity peaked between 1.5 and 2 kHz, matching intact maximal velocity. Pure tone average at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz demonstrated no change in reconstructed stapes velocity at 24 to 48 h. Isolated ISJ separation in fresh frozen and thawed temporal bones produces stapes velocity transfer function changes that corresponds with the clinically experienced conductive hearing loss. Repair with bone cement produced similar velocity curves to the intact ISJ curve with excellent recovery across mid-frequencies. This model would be useful for future ossicular mechanical studies.

Ossicular reconstruction of incudo-stapedial joint by glass ionomer\u2014a study of 24 cases

BackgroundChronic otitis media is one of the major health issues worldwide resulting in partial or complete loss of conductive hearing mechanism including the tympanic membrane and ossicular assembly. The aim of the study is to assess hearing improvement after reconstructing the incudo-stapedial joint with glass ionomer cement. Here, a prospective observational study was done in a tertiary care hospital. Patients of chronic mucosal otitis media were operated, and intraoperatively incudo-stapedial joint discontinuity was restored using glass ionomer cement. Post-operative follow-up was done at 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year intervals, and hearing was evaluated by doing pure tone audiometry with air conduction at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz and bone conduction at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 kHz. Tabulation was done by calculating the air-bone gap in each patient.ResultsIn our study, the patients showed statistically significant improvement in air conduction thresholds and near closure of air-bone gap post-operatively. The mean AC threshold is 15 dB with 91.67% patients having closure of ABG < 20 dB at the end of the 3rd month. Hearing was also evaluated at 6-month and 1-year intervals, which showed good improvement in hearing levels.ConclusionsGlass ionomer is a simple, physiological, and cost-effective method of tympano-ossicular reconstruction with certain significant post-operative hearing improvement.

Post-traumatic Malleo-Incudal Complex Dislocation

A 27-year-old man undergoes otolaryngologic evaluation for blunt head trauma suffered in a vehicular accident. With regards to the right ear, pertinent otologic findings include an ear canal laceration and a delayed-onset facial nerve paresis. Tuning fork testing reveals an abnormal Rinne test on the right (AC&lt;BC). The radiologist’s interpretation of the computerized tomographic imaging study of the temporal bone indicated the presence of a longitudinal fracture of the right temporal bone with no disruption of the ossicular chain. (Figure 1) However, careful examination of the anatomy of the malleo-incudal complex in relation to the other structures in the epitympanum actually reveals findings indicative of a malleo-incudal complex dislocation. How can this discrepancy in the radiologic interpretation be accounted for? By what objective parameters can the presence of a malleoincudal complex dislocation be identified?&#x0D; &#x0D; Meriot et al.1 described five types of traumatic ossicular dislocation injury: incudomalleolar joint separation, incudostapedial joint separation, stapediovestibular dislocation, incus dislocation, and malleo-incudal complex dislocation. Of these, incudomalleolar joint separation would probably be the most easily identified, as it would manifest as a disruption in the distinctive ice-cream cone appearance of the malleus head and the body and short process of the incus visualized on axial CT imaging of the temporal bone. (Figure 2) In contrast, malleo-incudal complex dislocation would involve movement of both ossicles en-bloc within the tympanic cavity (usually into the mesotympanum), without disruption of the incudomalleolar joint.1 As such, the ice-cream cone configuration may be preserved in this type of injury. Proper identification of this type of injury would be based on identifying any discrepancy in the positional relationship between the ossicular complex and the other structures within the confines of the&#x0D; tympanic cavity.&#x0D; &#x0D; The malleus head and the body and short process of the incus are located in the most superior portion of the tympanic cavity, the pneumatised area called the epitympanum. Also known as the attic or&#x0D; epitympanic recess, this region is bordered superiorly by the tegmen tympani and inferiorly by the mesotympanum. The epitympanum is divided into two compartments: the anterior epitympanic space or&#x0D; recess, and the much larger posterior epitympanum, which houses the epitympanic portions of the malleus and incus. This division is created by a thin bony plate known as the cog, which projects downwards from the tegmen tympani and is located anterior to the malleus head.2 In the axial plane, the malleo-incudal complex is normally centered within the posterior epitympanum with the short process of the incus pointing into the incudal fossa. The position of the malleo-incudal complex may sometimes be slightly lateral, but is never medial in the normal situation.1&#x0D; &#x0D; Based on these broader anatomical relationships, it can be seen that in the imaging study under investigation (Figure 3), the malleo-incudal complex (the ice-cream cone) has actually shifted forward - the malleus head is located not posterior to the cog, but at the same level as the cog in the antero-posterior dimension. Additionally, the malleo-incudal complex is located more medially within the posterior epitympanum, and is much closer to the tympanic segment of the facial nerve than to the lateral bony margin (the scutum) of the epitympanum. These findings clearly and unequivocally demonstrate the presence of a malleo-incudal complex dislocation.&#x0D; &#x0D; In summary, one of the keys to the proper evaluation of post-traumatic ossicular injury is to look not only at the anatomical relationship between ossicles, but also at the relationship of the entire ossicular complex to the other structures that are also located within the confines of the tympanic cavity

ALADA Dose Optimization in the Computed Tomography of the Temporal Bone: The Diagnostic Potential of Different Low-Dose CT Protocols.

Objective: Repeated computed tomography (CT) is essential for diagnosis, surgical planning and follow-up in patients with middle and inner ear pathology. Dose reduction to “as low as diagnostically acceptable” (ALADA) is preferable but challenging. We aimed to compare the diagnostic quality of images of subtle temporal bone structures produced with low doses (LD) and reference protocols (RP). Methods: Two formalin-fixed human cadaver heads were scanned using a 64-slice CT scanner and cone-beam CT (CBCT). The protocols were: RP (120 kV, 250 mA, CTDIvol 83.72 mGy), LD1 (100 kV, 80 mA, CTDIvol 26.79 mGy), LD2 (100 kV, 35 mA, CTDIvol 7.66 mGy), LD3 (80 kV, 40 mA, CTDIvol 4.82 mGy), and CBCT standard protocol. Temporal bone structures were assessed using a 5-point scale. Results: A median score of ≥2 was achieved with protocols such as the tendons of m. tensor tympani (RP/LD1/LD2/CBCT) and m. stapedius (CBCT), the incudostapedial joint (RP/LD1/CBCT), the incudomalleolar joint (RP/LD1/LD2/CBCT), the stapes feet (RP/LD1/CBCT), the stapes head (RP/LD1/LD2/CBCT), the tympanic membrane (RP/LD1/LD2/CBCT), the lamina spiralis ossea (none), the chorda tympani (RP/LD1/CBCT), and the modiolus (RP/LD1/LD2/CBCT). Adaptive statistical iterative reconstructions did not show advantages over the filtered back projection. Conclusions: LD protocols using a CTDIvol of 7.66 mGy may be sufficient for the identification of temporal bone structures.

Endoskopik modifiye kelebek timpanoplasti ile incudostapedial rekonstrüksiyon sonuçları

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of endoscopic butterfly tympanoplasty in perforations that involve the ossicular chain pathologies.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: We assessed the outcome of endoscopic modified butterfly tympanoplasty in 29 patients. The study included those with large tympanic membrane perforations covering the manubrium of malleus and has ossicular chain pathologies, operated via endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty. &#x0D; Results: The tympanic membrane closure rate was 89.7% (26 of 29 ears). The mean air conduction in the pre- and postoperative period was 37.75±5.20 dB and 18.96±6.52 dB, respectively, with a statistically significant decrease of 18.79±7.33. The mean pre- and the postoperative air-bone gap was 27.82±4.74 dB and 9.17±4.89 dB, respectively, with a statistically significant decrease of 18.62±7.11 &#x0D; Conclusion: The endoscopic modified butterfly tympanoplasty technique is a minimally invasive technique that can provide successful results in large perforations with defective incudostapedial joint.

Conductive Hearing Loss with Age-A Histologic and Audiometric Evaluation.

A retrospective analysis to quantify age-related changes of the incudo-malleolar joint (IMJ) and incudo-stapedial joint (ISJ), and to analyse changes in the air-bone gap (ABG) with age, was performed. Defined histologic parameters of 153 IMJ and 106 ISJ from subjects aged from birth to 70 years were correlated to age. Additionally, audiograms of 1760 ears of 974 other subjects aged 20 to 80 years were retrospectively analysed and the ABG was correlated to age. The joint space (age group from 0 to 10 compared to 61 to 70 years) became significantly wider with age (IMJ: from a mean of 44 µm to 100 µm, p < 0.001; ISJ: from a mean of 28 µm to 69 µm, p < 0.009. The thickness of cartilage of the incus decreased in the first 20 years of life (IMJ, from a mean of 88 µm to 65 µm, p < 0.01; ISJ: from a mean of 44 µm to 35 µm, p < 0.01). The ABGs of younger ears (20–40 years) was significantly larger at 500 Hz compared to older ears (60–80 years) by 2–4 dB, while it was significantly smaller by 3–5 dB at 4000 Hz (p < 0.0017). Interindividual variations in all age groups were large for both analyses. The increased joint spaces could potentially reduce the stiffness in the joints and explain the increase in ABG at 4000 Hz and the drop at 500 Hz. While the average change is small and of minimal clinical relevance, a larger increase of ABG with age is seen in some subjects.

Stapes visualization by ultra-high resolution CT in cadaveric heads: A preliminary study

PurposeThis study aimed to assess stapes visualization using an ultra-high resolution computed tomography (U-HRCT). MethodSixty ears from 30 cadaveric human heads were scanned by both U-HRCT and 128-section multislice CT (MSCT) with clinical parameters. Image quality of the stapes head, anterior and posterior crura, footplate, incudostapedial joint and stapedial muscle within the pyramidal eminence was scored using a 3-point Likert scale. Linear measurements of the stapes configuration were performed on U-HRCT. ResultsThe interobserver agreement for image qualitative score on U-HRCT was good to excellent (interobserver agreement coefficients 0.65−0.86). With the exception of the stapes head, U-HRCT achieved significantly higher qualitative scores than MSCT across all anatomical structures (Ps < 0.05). The total height of the stapes was measured to be 3.48 ± 0.33 mm. The height and width of the obturator foramen were 1.77 ± 0.28 mm and 2.19 ± 0.33 mm, respectively. The widths of the anterior and posterior crura were 0.20 ± 0.06 mm and 0.22 ± 0.06 mm, respectively. The thickness of the footplate was 0.22 ± 0.06 mm, and the angle of the incudostapedial joint was 95.91 ± 10.69°. ConclusionsU-HRCT is capable of delineating fine structures of the stapes and provides linear data on dimensions of the stapes, which could be helpful for detecting stapes disease and making individualized surgical plans in the clinical setting.

Incus Autograft Partial Ossicular Reconstruction Prosthesis vs. Titanium Angular Clip Prosthesis in Patients with Incudostapedial Joint Erosion Caused by Chronic Otitis Media; A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Chronic otitis media (COM) is a common disease that can cause damage to the middle ear ossicles and thus lead to conductive hearing loss. The purpose of this study was to compare two methods of incus partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis (PORP) and reconstruction with titanium angular clip prosthesis in patients with incudostapedial joint erosion. In this interventional randomized clinical trial carried out in a tertiary referral hospital, patients with chronic otitis media and incudostapedial joint erosion who were candidates for surgery, were randomly allocated into two groups of incus PORP surgery and reconstruction with a titanium angular clip prosthesis. Audiometry was performed for the patients prior to and six months after surgery. Pre- and post-operative air-bone gap (ABG) and bone conduction (BC) thresholds were calculated and means were compared by analysis of variances (ANOVA). A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study consisted of 24 and 14 subjects in the incus PORP and angular clip groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean pre- and post-operative ABG, BC thresholds and ABG reduction in the compared groups. Considering issues such as high cost and inaccessibility of titanium angular clips in all centers, incus PORP may be a more acceptable method.

Numerical study on the effect of middle ear malformations on energy absorbance

In order to study the effect of middle ear malformations on energy absorbance, we constructed a mechanical model that can simulate the energy absorbance of the human ear based on our previous human ear finite element model. The validation of this model was confirmed by two sets of experimental data. Based on this model, three common types of middle ear malformations, i. e. incudostapedial joint defect, incus fixation and malleus fixation, and stapes fixation, were simulated by changing the structure and material properties of the corresponding tissue. Then, the effect of these three common types of middle ear malformations on energy absorbance was investigated by comparing the corresponding energy absorbance. The results showed that the incudostapedial joint defect significantly increased the energy absorbance near 1 000 Hz. The incus fixation and malleus fixation dramatically reduced the energy absorbance in the low frequency, which made the energy absorbance less than 10% at frequencies lower than 1 000 Hz. At the same time, the peak of energy absorbance shifted to the higher frequency. These two kinds of middle ear malformations had obvious characteristics in the wideband acoustic immittance test. In contrast, the stapes fixation only reduced the energy absorbance in the low frequency and increased energy absorbance in the middle frequency slightly, which had no obvious characteristic in the wideband acoustic immittance test. These results provide a theoretical reference for the wideband acoustic immittance diagnosis of middle ear malformations in clinic.

A comparative study of results of stapedotomy and neo-stapedotomy as a surgical treatment for otosclerosis

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The aim of the study was to establish the usefulness of preservation of the stapedius tendon and the incudo-stapedial joint during the surgical procedure for the treatment of otosclerosis, to find out the advantages of neo-stapedotomy over standard stapedotomy and to compare the hearing improvement in neo-stapedotomy and stapedotomy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A prospective, randomised, controlled study with a sample size of 150 patients (ears) presented with pure conductive deafness, paracusis willisii and tinnitus was done. The patients were divided in to group A (n=60) &amp;amp;and group B (n=90), where neo-stapedotomy and standard stapedotomy procedure were performed respectively. Pure tone audiometry and tympanometry were done both pre and postoperatively. Speech discrimination score (SDS) and loudness discomfort levels (LDL) were measured at 3 months postoperatively. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Postoperative hearing improvement in both groups was almost identical. Improvement in middle ear compliance was marginally more in group A patients. Stapedial reflex could be elicited in 72 % of the patients in group A, but remained absent in group B, at 3 month post-operatively. The SDS became worse with more than 20 dB suprathreshold sounds in group B patients whereas it was maintained even with 80 dB in most patients of group A. Post-operative mean LDL for both pure tone and speech frequency in group A patients were higher than those in group B. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; The difference of SDS and LDL between two groups were statistically significant. Hence, neo-stapedotomy is a better procedure, as no postoperative pseudo-recruitment ‘rollover’ observed and also dynamic range of hearing increased.&lt;/p&gt;

Structural stiffening in the human middle ear due to static pressure: Finite-element analysis of combined static and dynamic middle-ear behavior

The vibration response of the middle ear (ME) to sound changes when static pressure gradients are applied across the tympanic membrane (TM). To date, it has not been well understood which mechanisms lead to these changes in ME vibration response. In this study, a 3D finite-element model of the human ME was developed that simulates the sound-induced ME vibration response when positive and negative static pressures of up to 4 kPa are applied to the TM. Hyperelasticity of the soft-tissue components was considered to simulate large deformations under static pressure. Some ME components were treated as viscoelastic materials to capture the difference between their static and dynamic stiffness, which was needed to replicate both static and dynamic ME behavior. The change in dynamic stiffness with static preload was simulated by linearization of the hyperelastic constitutive model around the predeformed state. For the preloaded harmonic response, we found that the statically deformed ME geometry introduced asymmetry in the vibration loss between positive and negative pressure, which was due to the TM cone shape. As opposed to previous assumptions, the prestress in the ME due to static pressure had a substantial impact on the vibration response. We also found that material nonlinearity led to a higher stiffening at the umbo but a less pronounced stiffening at the footplate compared to the linear elastic condition. The results suggest that flexibility of the incudomalleolar joint (IMJ) enhances the decoupling of static umbo and footplate displacements, and that viscosity and viscoelasticity of the IMJ could play a role in the transfer of sound-induced vibrations from the umbo to the footplate. The components of the incudostapedial joint had minimal effect on ME mechanical behavior.

Traumatic incudostapedial joint disarticulation: anatomical reconstruction versus stapes bypass

Objectives: To outline two surgical strategies for managing traumatic incudostapedial joint disarticulation (ISJD) with intact tympanic membrane (TM), aiming for improving the stability and the functional outcomes of the procedure.Patients and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 27 ears of 27 patients with isolated traumatic ISJD with intact tympanic membrane. The study was conducted in the Otorhinolaryngology Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: anatomical reconstruction group (n=14), and stapes bypass group (using a Teflon piston) (n=13). Air and bone conduction thresholds at frequencies 500–4000 Hz, were determined pre- and postoperatively.Results: The postoperative pure-tone average and mean air-bone gap (ABG) were statistically significantly different (p < 0.001). The mean postoperative gain of air conduction (AC) threshold and consequently the mean postoperative ABG closure were significantly better with the stapes bypass group compared to the bone cement one. ABG closure to within 10 dB in the stapes bypass group was found in 11ears (84.6%), while in bone cement group, closure to within 10 dB was found in 10 (71.4%) and to within 20 dB in 14.2%. The cochlear function remained stable postoperatively in both groups (p=0.422). No complications were reported, and no patient had a postoperative ABG greater than 30 dB.Conclusion: When the ISJ is dislocated, two options exist for ossicular reconstruction: bypassing the stapes using Teflon piston (stapedotomy) and anatomical reconstruction using ionomeric bone cement. Both techniques are successful with no statistically significant difference regarding hearing outcomes.

Is ossicular chain fixation predictable for tympanosclerosis on preoperative temporal bone computed tomography?

To report the predictability of ossicular chain (OC) fixation on preoperative temporal bone computed tomography (TBCT) in chronic otitis media (COM) with tympanosclerosis (TS). Fifty-six patients who had surgery for COM in our ear, nose and throat clinic between 2015 and 2017 were included in this retrospective case-control study. The patients were equally divided into two groups as those with TS and without TS. The complaint of preoperative otorrhea, values of incudostapedial joint (ISJ) angulation on preoperative TBCT scans, postoperative long-term hearing results, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. There was a statistically significant difference between the ISJ angulations of the operated and healthy sides in the COM group with TS (102.27 ± 7.92 and 91.90 ± 5.59 degrees, respectively, p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the ISJ angulation of the operated and healthy sides in the COM group without TS (95.04 ± 4.86 and 94.35 ± 4.57 degrees, respectively, p > 0.05). In addition, when the ISJ angulations of the operated sides of the two groups were compared, it was statistically significantly higher for the TS group compared to the non-TS group (102.27 ± 7.92 and 95.04 ± 4.86 degrees, respectively, p < 0.001). Increased ISJ angulation may indicate OC fixation. COM cases with TS can be predicted by the measurement of ISJ angulation on preoperative TBCT.

Bone Cement for Ossicular Chain Defects

Abstract Background: The discontinuity of ossicular chain most commonly affects the incudostapedial joint in 80% of patients an absent incus, or an absent incus and stapes superstructure. This discontinuity leads to a conductive hearing loss of different degrees. The goals of surgery for chronic ear disease are eradication of the disease and reconstruction of a sound transformer mechanism, but reconstructing this defect is a challenging procedure for the surgeon with different treatment options such as total ossicular chain prosthesis, a partial ossicular chain prosthesis, incus interposition, or bone cement utilization. Extrusion of the prosthesis is still a challenge in ossiculoplasty with alloplastic materials, especially in patients with poor eustachian tube function. Bone cement is cost effective, because it is cheaper than other ossiculoplasty materials, and this cost-effectiveness plays an important role in the decision the surgeon has to make, and bone cement has a promising role in this so, there is a rising interest in the otologic surgical field to use bone cement because of its biocompatible profile, its easy application, its suitable cost, and its low extrusion rate. Also, it may have a potentiality of neo-osteogenesis. Aim of Study: To evaluate the post-operative results and usefulness of bone cement application in repairing ossicular chain defects, to discuss surgical technique, and to compare pre-operative and post-operative ABG. Patients and Methods: This study was carried out in the ORL-HNS Department, Hearing and Speech Institute, from April 2015 to March 2018, on 30 patients with ossicular chain defect. Bridging of ossicular discontinuity was done by glass monomer bone cement in all patients. Results: In this study, successful hearing restoration could be achieved in 96% of the patients represented, as 52% of the patients had hearing improvement (dB gain) of more than or equal 10 dB, and 26% of patients had hearing im-provement (dB gain) more than 20 dB, and 18% of patients had hearing improvement (dB gain) of more than 40 dB, after 12 months.Conclusion: Incudostapedial joint rebridging ossiculo-plasty with ionomeric bone cement is a reliable method for ossicular reconstruction that is cost effective and offers satisfactory hearing results in selected patients.

Optical coherence tomographic measurements of the sound-induced motion of the ossicular chain in chinchillas: Additional modes of ossicular motion enhance the mechanical response of the chinchilla middle ear at higher frequencies

Wavelength-swept optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to scan the structure of cadaveric chinchilla ears in three dimensions with high spatial resolution and measure the sound-induced displacements of the entire OCT-visible lateral surfaces of the ossicles in the lateral-to-medial direction. The simultaneous measurement of structure and displacement allowed a precise match between the observed motion and its structural origin. The structure and measured displacements are consistent with previously published data. The coincident detailed structural and motion measurements demonstrate the presence of several frequency-dependent modes of ossicular motion, including: (i) rotation about an anteriorly-to-posteriorly directed axis positioned near the commonly defined anatomical axis of rotation that dominates at frequencies below 8 kHz, (ii) a lateral-to-medial translational component that is visible at frequencies from 2 to greater than 10 kHz, and (iii) a newly described rotational mode around an inferiorly-to-superiorly directed axis that parallels the manubrium of the malleus and dominates ossicular motion between 10 and 16 kHz. This new axis of rotation is located near the posterior edge of the manubrium. The onset of the second rotational mode leads to a boost in the magnitude of sound-induced stapes displacement near 14 kHz, and adds a half-cycle to the accumulating phase in middle-ear sound transmission. Similar measurements in one ear after interruption of the incudostapedial joint suggest the load of the cochlea and stapes annular ligament is important to the presence of the second rotational mode, and acts to limit simple ossicular translation.

Ossiculoplasty for Malleus Bar with Incudostapedial Disconnection and Fused Incudomalleolar Joint

Malleus bar is an abnormal bony connection between the malleus handle and the posterior wall of the tympanic cavity. We report a patient with a malleus bar and another malformation of the ossicles. An 11-year-old boy presented with hearing impairment since early childhood. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a malleus bar with an incudostapedial disconnection in the right ear. At tympanoplasty, the malleus bar was first identified and removed. A fused malleus-incus, not visible on the preoperative CT, was found intraoperatively. Therefore, the fused malleus-incus was removed; then, the ossicular chain was reconstructed, resulting in an improved postoperative hearing level. On preoperative CT, the disconnected incudostapedial joint had been identified, whereas the fused malleus-incus had not. Given the variations in the malleus bar anomaly of the middle ear, the surgical procedure for ossiculoplasty should be adapted intraoperatively based on any findings not visible on the preoperative CT.