Ossicular chain reconstruction.

This study represents a review of 121 patients who underwent ossicular chain reconstruction during a five-year period. They depict a general cross section of the sequelae of chronic otitis media. There was no selection of "favorable" cases. Ninety have been followed for one year or more. Hearing results in the most favorable cases (malleus handle and stapes arch present), were improved by the employment of a sculptured, fitted incus prosthesis between the handle and capitulum. Postoperative hearing was improved to within 10 db of the postoperative bone level in about half of the cases. Hearing was 20 db or better in more than 80 percent.