The Effects of Usage of Glass Ionomer Bone Cement for Hearing Ossiculer Chain Reconstruction on Hearing Results

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of the applications of glass ionomer bone cementin (GIBC), which is used to ensure ossicular chain continuity in otologic surgery between incus-stapes and malleus-stapes. Materials and Methods: In the study, the medical records of 28 patients who were operated on for chronic otitis media or conductive hearing loss with intact membranes in the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic of a training and research hospital between January 2006 and June 2009, GIBC was used for hearing reconstruc- tion in the operation, and the necessary file information was obtained were evaluated retrospectively. Pure tone averages (PTA) and air bone gaps (ABG) were measured in the pre-operative and post-operative pure tone audiogram evaluations of the patients, and the results were compared statistically. Results: While the pre-operative mean PTA of the patients was 51.3±12.8, this figure was found to be 26.6±13.7 in the post-operative audiological evaluation. Again, while the pre-operative ABG average was 36.9±9.2, this value was measured as 10.8±5.2 postoperatively. The difference between pre-operative and post-operative averages was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: The use of GIBC to bridge the malleus and stapes in ossicular chain reconstruction, especially in cases where incudostapedial joint defects and incus are not suitable for use, is suitable for hearing results, ease of use, cost advantage, and biocompatibility.