# 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.

## Key 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.