Comparison between cartilage–perichondrium composite ‘ring’ graft and temporalis fascia in type one tympanoplasty in children

Abstract

In our paediatric patients, type one tympanoplasty with a modified cartilage-perichondrium composite ring graft yielded good anatomical and functional results. The anatomical results obtained using this graft (with its unique appearance and stability during and after surgery) were superior to those for temporalis fascia. The ring graft group had equivalent, if not better, post-operative audiometric results, compared with the temporalis fascia group. Thus, the ring graft is believed to be effective in enabling both tympanic membrane closure and rapid hearing improvement, in the paediatric population.