Clinical Analysis of Congenital Stapedial Fixation in Children

Oh, Seung Ha; Chang, Sun O; Kim, Chong Sun; Lim, Duk Hwan; Park, Hong Ju; Mo, Ji Hun

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In congenital stapedial fixation, hearing could be restored by surgery on stapedial footplate. Stapes surgery was not a common operative method especially in children due to reported leakage of cerebrospinal fluid(perilymph gusher) and postoperative sensorineural hearing loss as well as low prevalence of stapedial fixation in Korea.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical manifestations and surgical results of congenital stapedial fixation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From Dec. 1980 to Mar. 1996, authors experienced 17 cases of stapes surgery for congenital stapedial fixation in 14 children at Seoul National University Hospital. The clinical manifestations, preoperative and postoperative audiologic findings and complications were analyzed. In 10 ears, total stapedectomies were performed and partial stapedectomies were performed in other 3 ears. In the remaining 4 ears, stapedotomies were performed.
RESULTS
Preoperative mean bone and air conduction thresholds were 15 dB, 62 dB respectively and mean air-bone gap was 47 dB. After stapes surgery, mean bone and air conduction thresholds were 12 dB, 32 dB respectively at the last audiologic follow-up. No perilymph gushers or significant sensorineural hearing loss were encountered.
CONCLUSION
Stapes surgery is a safe and effective method in the management of congenital stapedial fixation.