A prospective cohort study on ossicular reconstruction using autologous incus or cartilage in chronic otitis media

Abstract

Background: Loss of hearing resulting from ossicular discontinuity is prevalent, with chronic otitis media being the primary causative factor. Aim and Objectives: The study aimed at evaluating the potential of autologous incus and cartilage in restoring hearing as well as identifying predictors of ossiculoplasty outcomes. Methodology: Patients with autologous incus constituted Group I (n = 52) and patients with autologous cartilage constituted Group II (n = 48). Reliability of pre-operative predictors such as pure-tone average, air-bone gap, and middle ear risk index (MERI) scores in anticipating hearing associated outcomes of ossiculoplasty was investigated. Inferential statistics were employed. Results: Group I patients displayed better postoperative outcomes in terms of pure-tone audiometry than Group II counterparts (P = 0.0035). Age (P = 0.044), MERI (P = 0.021) and gender (P = 0.046) proved to be reliable indicators. Conclusion: Autologous incus can be explored as a competent ossiculoplasty material in developing countries.