Otosclerosis Surgery: Predictive Factors of Functional Results: 21 Cases

Abstract

Introduction: Otosclerosis is an osteodystrophy of the otic capsula which is anatomically expressed by a stapedo-vestibular ankylosis. The objective of this work is to evaluate the audiometric result and to determine the predictive factors of functional failure. Materials and methods: we conducted a retrospective study about 21 ears operated for otosclerosis, within the department of otolaryngology and cervicofacial surgery CHU Mohammed VI Oujda over a period of 3 years (2016-2020). Epidemiological, clinical of patients and preoperative and postoperative audiometry at 12 months were analyzed. Surgical success was defined by a postoperative Rinne (RPO) ≤ 10db. Results: The mean age of the patients was 37,76 years. Female gender was predominant with a sex ratio of 2. The mean time to consultation was 4.2 years. The clinical picture was dominated by deafness which was constant in all patients. Tinnitus was present in 62% of cases. We retained 2 independent factors significantly predictive of functional failure: an age at surgery over 40 years and an audiometric stage III or IV of Aubry. Conclusion: Early post-operative air-bone gap is useful to detect early failure of stapes surgery. Although advanced otosclerosis was considered a negative factor for hearing gain, thanks to stapes surgery patients with advanced otoscle- rosis can better benefit from appropriate hearing aids.