Isolated malleus-handle fracture surgical repair using tragal cartilage
Received 9 August 2009 published online 02 November 2009. Corrected Proof
Abstract
The isolated malleus-handle fracture is a rare ossicular injury and tends to be overlooked when the tympanic membrane appears normal. Various surgical attempts have been made to correct this fracture; however, these techniques largely relied on xenograft implantation materials; the autologous cartilaginous graft application has never been reported. Herein we describe a simple, rapid, and effective method that uses available tragal cartilaginous graft to repair an isolated malleus-handle fracture. Our approach offers a reliable choice to restore continuity of the ossicular chain and produce a more satisfying, subjective hearing ability in this uncommon fracture situation.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
Corresponding author. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. 325, Section 2, Cheng-Kung Road, Taipei 114, Taiwan, ROC. Tel.: +886 2 87927192; fax: +886 2 87927193.
ABSTRACT