Cartilage tympanoplasty for retraction pocket of the tympanic membrane in children

TL;DR

This study shows that cartilage grafting is a safe and effective treatment for retraction pockets in children's eardrums.

Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the effectiveness of cartilage tympanoplasty for treating severe retraction pockets in children.

Findings

Cartilage tympanoplasty achieved good anatomical and hearing results in children with retraction pockets.

There was a significantly higher incidence of retraction pockets in boys compared to girls.

Stages II and III of retraction pockets showed differences in hearing outcomes and TM fixation locations.

Abstract

Retraction pocket (RP) of the tympanic membrane (TM) is a common pathology in children that can cause ossicular chain erosion, cholesteatoma formation, and potentially life-threatening complications of cholesteatoma. This study assessed the functional and anatomical results of cartilage grafting in children with severe RP of the TM.

This was a retrospective review of 212 children from a tertiary referral center.

We identified significant differences in hearing results, indication criteria, and location of TM fixation between stages II and III of RP (according to Charachon). We observed a significantly higher incidence of RP in boys than in girls.

Cartilage tympanoplasty for retraction pocket of the tympanic membrane in children is a safe procedure with good anatomical and hearing results.