Abstract:ObjectiveTo explore the basis of optimal selection of auditory ossicle material for tympanoplasty in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media, thus to provide reference in clinic.Methods59 patients with chronic suppurative otitis media were divided into two groups according to the extent of ossicular chain erosion. In group A(n=31), the structures of the stapes footplate were normal and typeⅡ tympanoplasty was performed with artificial ossicle in 17 and autologous bone in 14. In group B, the structures of the stapes footplate were deficient. 28 patients in this group received type Ⅲ tympanoplasty with artificial ossicle in 15 and autologous bone in 13. The differences between airbone gaps before and after tympanoplasty were compared in both groups respectively. ResultsIn group A, the airbone gaps after operation were reduced compared to those before operation by (13.28±8.67 dB) with artificial ossicle and (13.63±8.92 dB) with autologous bone，but the differences were statistically insignificant (both P>0.05). In group B, the postoperative airbone gap was reduced by (13.49±8.84 dB) with artificial ossicle and（07.26±8.67 dB）with autologous bone，and the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05).ConclusionsIn tympanoplasty, the efficacy of ossicular reconstruction with artificial ossicle was equivalent to that with autologous bone in those with the normal structures of the stapes footplate, which implies that autologous bone is of priority in term of costs. In patients without normal stapes footplate, the efficacy of reconstruction with artificial ossicle is better than that with autologous bone, and therefore, artificial ossicle is preferred.
