TEFLON VS TITANIUM PROSTHESES IN STAPES SURGERY

BACKGROUND: Otosclerosis is one of the most leading causes of conductive hearing loss with intact tympanic membrane in adults. Stapes prostheses have seen many changes in its shape, design and material. Both Teflon and Titanium prostheses used in this study having different method of application are reviewed in detail.OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of use of Teflon and Titanium prostheses instapedotomy surgery in patients with conductive hearing loss.STUDY DESIGN: Prospective studySETTING: Tertiary referral centreMETHODS: A prospective study of 50 patients of otosclerosis, who underwent stapedotomy at B.J.Medical College, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, with Teflon/Titanium prostheses, from June 2009-February 2012 was done. Follow up was done for a minimum period of 6 months.Revision cases were excluded. A comparison of prostheses was concluded by differences in AB (Air Bone) Gap.RESULT: Postoperative ABG of 20db or less was seen in 96% in both groups. The mean postoperative ABGap was 8.2 dB and 11.5 dB for Teflon and Titanium group respectively.There was no statistically significance difference noted in ABGap between Teflon and Titanium pistons at 95% confidence limit at P<0.05. There was significant improvement of AC thresholds at each frequency except for above 4 kHz, in postoperative period.CONCLUSION: Both prostheses provide equal benefit to patients and there is no statistically significant difference between the uses of Teflon/Titanium prostheses. Long term results are still to be analyzed.