The objective of the study is to evaluate the long term results of ossiculoplasty using the clip titanium partial ossicular replacement prosthesis. This study retrospectively reviews the partial ossiculoplasty conducted using clip titanium partial ossicular replacement prosthesis at a tertiary referral center. Audiometric outcomes and intraoperative findings were postoperatively measured from revision surgery of 47 ears (20 women, 27 men, mean age 43 years) averaging 6.5 years. The overall air-bone gap decreased from 25.7 dB preoperatively to 16.8 dB 6.5 years postoperatively (p ≤ 0.001, η p 2  = 0.210). An air-bone gap of <20 dB was present in 28 % of ears preoperatively and increased to 72 % postoperatively. In revision (n = 30) and primary tympanoplasties (n = 17), the preoperative air-bone gaps were reduced from 28.9 and 20.1 to 18.7 dB (p ≤ 0.001, η p 2  = 0.240) and 13.2 dB (p = 0.033, η p 2  = 0.192), respectively. In canal wall down (n = 15) procedures and tympanoplasties with intact canal wall (n = 32), the mean air-bone gaps diminished from 28.9 to 18.1 dB (p = 0.02, η p 2  = 0.245) and 24.2 to 16.1 dB (p ≤ 0.001, η p 2  = 0.221), respectively. In our own revision tympanoplasties (n = 8) and second look operations (n = 6), we found that the prostheses were safe to remove without any deleterious effects. Two prostheses were dislocated from the stapes’ head due to recurrent cholesteatoma. Therefore, it can be concluded that ossiculoplasty using the clip partial ossicular replacement prosthesis allows for good and reliable long term hearing results. Also, the flexible strips reveal no adverse effects on the encompassed stapes’ head and do not complicate revision surgery.

Importance Multiple techniques for a more secure and stable anchoring of the foot of a total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) on the footplate have been proposed. To address this issue, a technique was developed that fits a cartilage shoe into the oval niche to guide the base of the prosthesis into a preformed central perforation. Objective To evaluate the long-term results of the cartilage shoe technique used to anchor a titanium TORP on the stapes footplate in patients after type III tympanoplasty. Design, Setting, and Participants Medical record review of total ossiculoplasties at a single center. The study included all patients who had undergone a tympanoplasty using a TORP between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2008, at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. Main Outcomes and Measures Hearing thresholds were determined by a 4-frequency (500-4000 Hz) pure-tone average air-bone gap (PTA-ABG). Intraoperative findings from revision surgery and second-look operations are reported. Results Forty-two ears were eligible for follow-up examination, averaging 6.8 years (range, 4.8-9.1 years) after surgery, that comprised otoscopy and audiometry. The mean age of 22 women and 20 men was 42.8 years (age range, 6-78 years). The overall PTA-ABG decreased from a mean (SD) of 33.0 (8.4) decibels (dB) before surgery to a mean (SD) of 22.0 (10.1) dB after surgery (P ≤ .001, η = 0.402). Before surgery, 64% (27 of 42) of the patients had a PTA-ABG exceeding 30 dB, which was 30 dB or less in 76% (32 of 42) of the patients after surgery. After canal wall down (n = 18) and tympanoplasties with intact canal wall (n = 24), the PTA-ABG was reduced from a mean (SD) of 33.0 (8.9) dB to 24.6 (11.2) dB (P = .01, η = 0.271) and from a mean (SD) of 32.0 (7.3) dB to 19.6 (9.2) dB (P ≤ .001, η = 0.511), respectively. For transmeatal revision ossiculoplasty (n = 33), the PTA-ABG improved from a mean (SD) of 32.0 (8.6) dB to 21.0 (10.2) dB (P ≤ .001, η = 0.389), similar to primary ossiculoplasty (n = 9), with a mean (SD) of 33.0 (5.5) dB PTA-ABG before surgery and a mean (SD) of 21.0 (9.8) dB PTA-ABG after surgery (P = .005, η = 0.478). Intraoperative findings from revision surgery (n = 11) during the study period and second-look procedures (n = 7) showed that the cartilage shoe prevented a lift off the footplate in all but 2 patients, even in the presence of recurrent cholesteatoma. Conclusions and Relevance The use of the cartilage shoe that anchors a titanium TORP on the stapes footplate can be advocated for good and reliable long-term results after total ossiculoplasty.

CONCLUSION:In detecting a thin bony coverage of a superior semicircular canal (SSC), digital volume tomography (DVT) scans in Poeschl projection seem to be superior to high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans. Still, a definite diagnosis of SSC dehiscence (SSCD) is not possible with any radiologic imaging technique.OBJECTIVE:To compare CT and DVT to find out whether DVT is equal, better or worse in showing a thin bony layer on top of an SCC.METHODS:In 11 human temporal bone specimens, the SSC was microscopically blue-lined leaving a thin bony coverage on top of it. All specimens were assessed with both high-resolution CT and DVT. After reconstructing the images in Stenvers and Poeschl projections, all images were evaluated by five independent examiners experienced in radiologic imaging of the temporal bone using a four-point ordinal scale, from 1 (distinct dehiscence) to 4 (distinct coverage).RESULTS:The mean score for all CT scans was 2.58 compared with 3.22 for DVT scans (p = 0.000). Poeschl projection showed a mean score of 3.25 compared with 2.55 for Stenvers projection (p = 0.000). The best imaging modality was found to be DVT scans in Poeschl projections, with a mean score of 3.60.

Conclusion: Salivary stones in the parotid gland that are not amenable to endoscopic extraction can safely be removed by a combined, endoscopic-external approach. Objective: Limitations for endoscopic removability of salivary stones from the parotid gland are immobile stones in the deeper salivary duct system. A combined endoscopic and transcutaneous approach gives access to these stones with possible preservation of the parotid gland. Methods: A total of 10 consecutive patients were treated using the combined approach for the management of sialolithiasis of the parotid gland. The patients had previously undergone a sialendoscopy under local anesthesia and were proven to have large, immobile salivary stones in the salivary duct. Results: In all patients, the procedure was successfully conducted with extraction of impacted stones. In 60% of the patients, a temporary stenting of the salivary duct was performed. All patients showed good clinical results with restored drainage of the salivary duct system and preserved gland function.

Introduction Adequate imaging of the middle ear and its surrounding structures is an essential preoperative part in ear surgery. In the past, the main disadvantage of computed tomography (CT) scanners was the decreased diagnostic quality due to metallic artifacts. Furthermore, these scanners showed mostly an inferior image quality compared to digital volume tomography (DVT) in the temporal bone. It was the aim of this experimental study to compare the image quality of a state-of-the-art dual-source 2 × 128-slice CT scanner to DVT in temporal bone specimen. Materials and Methods Metallic prosthesis (PORP, TORP, stapes piston, cochlear implant electrode array) and an autologous incus were implanted in temporal bone specimen to analyze the diagnostic quality concerning the characterization of anatomic structures. Three further temporal bones were scanned without any preparation. Independently, 2 otologists and 2 radiologists scored the image quality of defined anatomic structures, using a range from 4 (excellent) to 0 (no diagnostic value). Results The general score for DVT was 2.67, whereas CT reached a score of 2.76. The diagnostic value for hard contrast objects was 3.0 for DVT and 2.9 for CT, whereas the score for soft tissue was 1.1 for DVT and 2.3 for CT. Almost no quality reduction of the display of anatomic structures caused by metallic artifacts could be detected in both diagnostic modalities. Discussion Both DVT and high-resolution CT allow good overall image quality in temporal bones, with discrete advantages for digital volume tomographic scans in terms of the image quality of hard contrast objects like bony structures or metallic implants.

This article describes a new surgical method for total ossicular reconstruction in a case of a broken stapes footplate. We developed the technique of the "cartilage shoe sandwich," which consists of two surgical steps. First, the closure of the oval window is achieved by a cartilage shoe without a central perforation. During this surgical intervention, the prearrangement of a secure placement of a total ossicular replacement prosthesis is provided by a second cartilage with a central hole that is plugged with silicone. In a staged procedure, the silicone plug is removed and the ossicular reconstruction can be performed. The audiological results of the first patients show a stable inner ear function with an air-conduction gain of 9 dB. The technique described herein has proven to be safe and reliable in total ossicular reconstruction in the event of an unsecure stapes footplate.

BACKGROUND Since the last 120 years there were only few descriptions of the anatomical sizes of the inferior turbinate in the literature. On this background the current study should evaluate the radiological dimensions of the inferior turbinate and the septum using DVT. METHODS The latest generation of the Accu-I-tomo was used. The data of 100 adult patients have been evaluated. RESULTS The bony length was found to be 38.9 mm, the mucosal length 51.0 mm. The findings of the total mucosal thickness at different measuring points were between 8.1 mm and 10.9 mm, those of the bony thickness were between 0.9 mm and 2.3 mm and those of the bony height were between 3.9 mm and 20.8 mm. CONCLUSION The results of this radiological study are able to point out the importance of preoperative anatomical evaluation of radiological images. The preoperative focus on the individual anatomy is very important because of the choice of an adequate surgical treatment. Today new radiological techniques can help to find out whether the reason for hypertrophied turbinates is caused by bone, mucosa or both. This knowledge enables a concerted treatment concept.

Objectives: Radiological evaluation of the position of cochlear implant (CI) devices is an upcoming method for quality control after CI surgery. First, results of imaging of the middle and inner ear with digital volume tomography (DVT) show considerable advantages such as exceptional image quality, thin slice thickness, and low radiation dose. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether DVT is an appropriate method for postoperative imaging of CI patients and to identify the exact position of the implant array within the cochlear by multiple measurements.Design: Thirteen formalin-fixed temporal bone specimens were implanted with a CI array and scanned in DVT. To determine the exact electrode position, these specimens were ground and stained for microscopic measurements. The measurements on grindings acted as a referee and were compared with the measurements in DVT scans. The statistical analysis between the two measurement protocols was performed using the Bland-Altman method.Results: Best achievable agreement between DVT scans and histological reference was shown. Mean differences between DVT and grindings from -1.55 to -65.40 mu m were calculated. All means are within the region of accuracy. General positioning of the implant into the cochlea could be verified in all specimens. The exact position of the implanted array within the cochlear scalae could be recognized correctly in 11 of 13 cases in DVT. It was possible to identify shiftings between the tympanic and vestibular scalae in all cases.Conclusion: DVT seems to be a convenient technique for postoperative position control after cochlear implantation.

Die digitale Volumentomographie (DVT) ist eine Verbesserung der in der dentalen Bildgebung verwendeten Panoramatomographie. Die DVT ermöglicht die präzise und artefaktfreie Darstellung feiner knöcherner Strukturen. Das macht sie auch für die Anwendung im Bereich der Laterobasis sowie der vorderen Schädelbasis und der Nasennebenhöhlen interessant. Dies schließt bestimmte traumatologische Fragestellungen wie z. B. die Nasenbeinfraktur ein. Die Schnittbilder können bei Bedarf innerhalb kurzer Zeit um dreidimensionale Rekonstruktionen oder Panoramadarstellungen ergänzt werden. Eine entsprechende Fachkunde im Strahlenschutz vorausgesetzt, ist es auch HNO-Ärztinnen und -Ärzten mit der DVT möglich, selbstständig Schnittbilddiagnostik zu betreiben.

Digital volume tomography (DVT) is an advancement of panoramic tomography used in dentistry. DVT enables precise display of fine osseous structures without any disturbing artefacts. This makes its application interesting in the field of the lateral, anterior skull base and paranasal sinuses, as well as for the diagnosis of nasal bone fractures. The tomograms can be completed according to need by volume rendering or panoramic slices within a short time. Assuming they have the appropriate technical qualifications in radiation protection, ENT specialists are even able to perform tomography independently using DVT.

CONCLUSION:A cone beam tomography (CBT) examination of the olfactory area with its different variants allows development of an individual anatomical-radiological risk profile of the ethmoid and the identification of so-called 'dangerous ethmoids.'OBJECTIVE:Preoperative imaging performed with high-resolution CBT is imperative for analysis of the risk of injuring the olfactory fossa during sinus surgery. This study aimed to analyze the relevant parameters.METHODS:This was a retrospective, single-center study of 141 patients. The Accu-I-Tomo F17 was used. Keros type, the point of the anterior ethmoid artery, and the angle between the lateral lamella and the cribriform plate (α(lc)) were evaluated.RESULTS:The Keros types were distributed as follows: type I, 13% (α(lc): 131°); type II, 64% (α(lc): 116°); type III, 23% (α(lc): 108°) (p < 0.001). The angle of the olfactory fossa and the position of the anterior ethmoid artery (free course: α(lc)=112° vs integrated into the skull base: α(lc)= 120°) was significantly different.DISCUSSION:Surgical procedures in Keros type III where the height of the lateral lamella is much longer than in type II or type I, with an angle of nearly 107° between the lateral lamella and the cribriform plate, are expected to be safer in comparison with Keros type II with 116° and Keros type I with 131°.

BACKGROUND The aim of the present evaluation was to analyse a large patient population with nasal bone fractures leading to surgical reposition of the nasal bone. Special attention was paid to age summit, the distribution of the seasons, the rate of open compared to closed nasal bone fractures, accompanying injuries, diagnosis and therapy as well as to the postoperative course. METHODS A total of 300 patients was evaluated retrospectively. All patients had been treated between 1999 and 2004 regarding simple and complex nasal bone fractures. Data were analysed with regard to history, age, gender, diagnosis, therapy, results, and complications. RESULTS The average age of the patients was 29.6+/-15.6 years at the time of fracture with clear predominance of the male gender (77%). Another age summit could be observed in patients of >60 years. The main reasons for nasal bone fracture were falls (30%), in elderly patients often caused by cardiac syncopes, and rows (28%). The most frequent findings were deviation of the longitudinal axis of the nose (59%) and traumatic deviation of the nasal septum (50%). 65 patients (22%) had open nasal bone fractures, in 5% of the cases septal hematoma could be observed. CONCLUSION Closed reposition of the nasal bone is the therapy of choice in uncomplicated nasal bone fractures. Special attention has to be paid to the group of patients aged 60 years and older who often suffer from treatment requiring comorbidities. In these cases inpatient treatment must be considered.

BACKGROUND:Definitive chemoradiation is a well-established option in the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The intention of this study was to evaluate its efficacy on cervical lymph node metastases in a prospective study after a standardized protocol for chemoradiation (CRT) and histopathological evaluation, respectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS:The data of 25 patients (10 oropharynx, 15 hypopharynx) who received planned neck dissection after definitive chemoradiation for UICC stage IV carcinomas of the pharynx were analyzed. All patients were sonomorphologically staged positive for lymph nodes (3 patients: N1; 2 patients N2a; 7 patients N2b; 9 patients N2c and 4 patients N3). A neck dissection was carried out 8.9+/-1.5 weeks (range 6-13) post treatment. The specimens obtained from the different neck levels were histologically examined for viable tumour cells. RESULTS:Local control was achieved in 100% of all patients on endoscopy 9 weeks after the chemoradiation. In 14/25 patients (56%), still viable tumour tissue was found in the neck dissection (ND) specimen. Only one of these 14 patients (7%) was deemed suspicious for residual lymphadenopathy from clinical and diagnostic findings at re-staging after chemoradiation, the others were staged yN0. Postsurgical complications occurred in six patients (24%) such as bleeding and prolonged wound healing in one patient each and functional deficits in an additional four patients. One patient developed a scar recurrence seven months after surgery. CONCLUSION:Based on these findings, the ultimate efficacy of primary CRT should not be judged 8-10 weeks after the treatment. Therefore planned neck dissection should be performed no earlier than 12 weeks after primary CRT.

Digital volume tomography (DVT) is a kind of cone beam computed tomography and enables high quality 3D images of osseous structures. It is a well-established diagnostic tool in dentistry. High detail resolution is reached with a reduced exposition of radiation dose in comparison to conventional computed tomography. The data volume can be analysed in three orthogonal plains, which can be changed in angle arbitrarily. The aim of the study was to evaluate, if and in which performance DVT is able to detect discrete nasal bone fractures that cannot be seen in conventional radiography occasionally. DVT was performed in sixty-five patients with suspected nasal bone fracture. Five of these patients underwent lateral radiographs of the nasal bones in other departments which failed to show any radiologic signs of a nasal bone fracture, whereas DVT showed clear fracture lines. DVT-findings were also used to classify fractures according to their dimensions. Additionally DVT enabled the reconstruction of three-dimensional volume images. With this technique it is possible to get an image of the extent of the nasal bone fracture and the dislocation of the fragments. Because of these facts as well as its high resolution and low radiation dose, DVT can be recommended as the routine radiological examination in suspected nasal bone fractures.

Conclusion. Because of high resolution and the relatively lower costs in comparison with modern helical CT scanners, digital volume tomography (DVT) can be recommended in the diagnosis of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Objectives. DVT is an advancement of panoramic tomography and is based on the principles of rotational tomography. It enables high resolution visualization of osseous structures. The slices can be displayed in three orthogonal planes that can be changed in angle arbitrarily. Data volumes of up to 12×17 cm can be examined with a new generation of the DVT. The aim of this study was to point out the potential of DVT in the anterior skull base. Subjects and methods. DVT scans with a cylindrical size of 10 cm in diameter and 10 cm in height were performed in 23 patients. The identification of surgical key landmarks (uncinate process, middle turbinate, ethmoidal bulla, agger nasi cells, Haller cells, frontal recess, anterior ethmoidal artery in its relationship to the skull base, the cribiform plate of the sphenoidal sinus in relation to the optic nerve, and the internal carotid artery) was evaluated. Results. Display of the essential surgical key landmarks was possible in all patients

CONCLUSION:Preoperative imaging is important, because of the small size of the cribriform plate, different anatomical variants of the olfactory fossa in varied patients and unequal width of the cribriform plate in the anterior and posterior third.OBJECTIVE:Digital volume tomography (DVT) is a rather new imaging technique for the diagnosis of diseases of paranasal sinuses. This technology is dedicated to the evaluation of the distinctive structures of the anterior skull base due to the high resolution of the DVT. Based on the Keros classification this anatomic area was analyzed radiologically and also in relation to the uncinate process.METHODS:The investigation was performed on 111 patients. The Accu-I-tomo F17 was used. Patients with total nasal polyposis and patients who had undergone sinus surgery were excluded from the study.RESULTS:Keros type I was found in 11.25% of the patients, type II in 68.05% and type III in 20.7%. Significant asymmetry of the olfactory fossa was identified in nine patients (8.1%). The width of the olfactory cleft varied from 0 to 3.25 mm. No relation between Keros type and a particular onset of the uncinate process to orbit, skull base or middle turbinate could be detected.

Background: The Staffieri technique is a method for surgical rehabilitation of the voice after laryngectomy. A fistula between trachea and esophagus is created to achieve a so-called,Neoglottis phonatoria". The assignment of the neoglottis is to protect the airways during ingestion and to give the patient a chance to phonate during expiration.Patient: The case of a 71-year-old man with aspiration via his Staffieri fistula is presented. The fistula was created in 1979 after laryngectomy because of a laryngeal carcinoma. He also suffered from a metastasized gastric carcinoma which was cured by a 2/3 resection of the stomach in 1970. He is free of recurrence with regard to his oncologic diseases. Until 2003 the patient had no problems with the fistula and was able to phonate well. In 2003 the patient had progressive aspiration via the fistula and the Staffieri fistula was therefore reduced in diameter by surgery. In 2005 the patient presented himself again because of a recurrence of the aspiration. Endoscopy of the upper aerodigestive tract showed healthy mucosa, contrast imaging of the esophagus showed a significant aspiration of the contrast medium into the trachea. Due to these findings a voice prosthesis was inserted into the fistula. This therapy cured the patient from aspiration. He is able to phonate well and has no further complaints.Conclusion: Aspiration via a Staffieri fistula is described in about 25% of cases and therapy is sometimes difficult. Surgical narrowing of the diameter of the fistula is inadequate in most cases and many patients would lose their restored voice if the fistula was closed permanently. Through the insertion of a voice prosthesis aspiration could be stopped and voice was immediately restored.

Aspiration via a Staffieri fistula is described in about 25 % of cases and therapy is sometimes difficult. Surgical narrowing of the diameter of the fistula is inadequate in most cases and many patients would lose their restored voice if the fistula was closed permanently. Through the insertion of a voice prosthesis aspiration could be stopped and voice was immediately restored.

Background: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) may lead to dysphagia caused by osteophytes of the cervical spine. Osteophytes can be resected transorally or transcervically, but operative ablation should not be indicated generously because of the threat of severe complications.Patient: A fifty-year-old man with dysphagia and loss of weight of 15 kg in the last three months is presented. He also suffered from a brain damage during infancy which caused grand-malseizures. One seizure lead to cardiac arrest which required cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and subsequent tracheostomy. A spheric tumor of the posterior pharyngeal wall could be seen endoscopically, it appeared radiologically as an osteophytic formation of the segments C-3-C-5. Ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament was also seen. Diagnosis of DISH was made on the basis of these results. Contrast imaging of the esophagus and videofluoroscopy showed aspiration in terms of neurogenic disorders. The patient received a percutaneous gastrostomy after his case was discussed with neurologic and orthopaedic colleagues, because a causal therapy of the combined disease seemed to be impossible.Conclusion: Dysphagia in the presented case was caused by a combination of neurogenic deglutition disorders and oropharyngeal obstruction through osteophytes. Surgical removal of the osteophytes was not indicated because it would have put the patient at a certain risk, but only a part of the underlying problem would have been removed. Symptomatic therapy with a gastrostomy secures normocaloric diet. The patient's weight remained stable and he can follow his habitual daily routine.

BACKGROUND:Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) may lead to dysphagia caused by osteophytes of the cervical spine. Osteophytes can be resected transorally or transcervically, but operative ablation should not be indicated generously because of the threat of severe complications.PATIENT:A fifty-year-old man with dysphagia and loss of weight of 15 kg in the last three months is presented. He also suffered from a brain damage during infancy which caused grand-mal-seizures. One seizure lead to cardiac arrest which required cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and subsequent tracheostomy. A spheric tumor of the posterior pharyngeal wall could be seen endoscopically, it appeared radiologically as an osteophytic formation of the segments C (3) - C (5). Ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament was also seen. Diagnosis of DISH was made on the basis of these results. Contrast imaging of the esophagus and videofluoroscopy showed aspiration in terms of neurogenic disorders. The patient received a percutaneous gastrostomy after his case was discussed with neurologic and orthopaedic colleagues, because a causal therapy of the combined disease seemed to be impossible.CONCLUSION:Dysphagia in the presented case was caused by a combination of neurogenic deglutition disorders and oropharyngeal obstruction through osteophytes. Surgical removal of the osteophytes was not indicated because it would have put the patient at a certain risk, but only a part of the underlying problem would have been removed. Symptomatic therapy with a gastrostomy secures normocaloric diet. The patient's weight remained stable and he can follow his habitual daily routine.