A review of type 3 tympanoplasty.

With the introduction of newer technologies, the advent of antibiotics, and improved surgical methods; the past 25 years have seen a great revolution, refinement, and improvement of tympanoplastic procedures. Furthermore, the methods of classification have been modified. The introduction of ossicular reconstruction with biocompatible implants greatly enhanced the success of type 3 tympanoplasty. This article reviews the classification, indications, surgical techniques, biomechanical properties, and expected hearing results of type 3 tympanoplasty.