Evaluation of the Curative Effects of Surgical Intervention in Cases of Congenital Malformation of the Ossicular Chain in Children

Purpose: Congenital malformation of the ossicular chain results in challenges with hearing and language development in children. We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, prognosis, and surgical treatments of different types of congenital ossicular chain malformations in children. Methods: Eight cases (10 ears) treated between October 2019 and February 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided according to the location of the ossicular chain malformation and whether it was complicated by external ear malformation. Imaging, audiological examination, intraoperative exploration of the middle ear, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Results: Group 1 incudostapedial joint deformity): 6 ears/60%; Group 2 (simple incus deformity): 2 ears/20%; Group 3 (simple malleus deformity): 2 ears/20%; Group A (with external ear malformations): 4 ears/40%; Group B (without external ear malformations): 6 ears/60%. The average hearing threshold before and after the operation was 51.25 +/- 12.88 and 31.94 +/- 12.96 dB, respectively. There were differences in the intervention effects of different malformed sites (Group 1: t = 5.139, P = .004; Group 2: t = 13.500, P = .047; Group 3: t = 15.000, P = .042). The effect of the intervention in cases of malformation with mobile stapes footplates was better than that with immobile stapes footplates (t = 4.082, P = .027). The effect of the intervention without external ear malformations was better than that with external ear malformations (t = 7.706, P = .001). Conclusions: The intervention yielded superior results in cases of malformation with mobile stapes footplates compared to those with immobile stapes footplates. Different intervention strategies should be determined through precise deformity assessments, with the degree of stapes mobility serving as a crucial factor in improving the prognosis.