Comparing the Results of Tympanoplasty Using the Temporalis Muscle Fascia Clamp Versus the Crushed Cartilage Clamp Method

In this study, we compared the results of tympanoplasty using the temporalis muscle fascia graft versus the crushed cartilage graft. In this randomized clinical trial study, 112 patients over 18 years old with chronic otitis media who underwent tympanoplasty were involved. The diagnosis of COM was made using medical history, clinical examination, audiometry tests including AC, BC and speech audiometry test. Patients were allocated into two groups (temporalis muscle fascia or crushed cartilage). All patients underwent the tympanoplasty by the same surgeon. A check list included age, gender, success rate and ABG at frequencies of 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz at the desired times (before surgery, 3 months and 6 months after the surgery) was completed for all the patients. Finally, the results were analyzed and compared. Fifty seven were in the temporalis muscle fascia group and 55 were in the crushed cartilage group. There was no significant difference in age (p value = 0.82) and gender (p value = 0.08) between two groups. Over time the mean ABG decreased significantly in both groups (p value = 0.01), but the interaction effect of time and group on ABG was not significant (p value = 0.19). Fifty two patients (91.2%) in the temporalis muscle fascia group and 51 patients (92.7%) in the crushed cartilage group had successful tympanoplasty surgery. There was no significant difference in success rate between the two groups (p value = 0.77). According to our results, the effect of graft type on ABG improvement and success rate were not significant between two groups. Therefore, it is suggested to choose the graft type based on the discretion of the surgeon, although it is necessary to conduct more research with a larger sample size and longer follow-up.