Ossicular Involvement and Types of Pathology in Chronic Otitis Media Squamous Active Disease

Background: Chronic otitis media (COM) squamous type is commonly as­sociated with cholesteatoma. In COM squamous type with active disease, there is retraction of pars flaccida or pars tensa with retention of squamous epithelial debris and is associated with inflammation and production of pus. It is potentially dangerous because it can cause resorption of bone, leading to ossicular erosion and destruction of bony plates of middle ear. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of chronic otitis media squamous type on the ossicular chain as well as to observe the types of pathology in this disease. Methods and materials: Fifty cases of chronic otitis media squa­mous type who underwent surgical management were included. The status of ossicular chain was evaluated intraoperatively. The type of pathology in­volving middle ear was also studied. Cases admitted for revision surgery were excluded from the study. Results: Of the total fifty cases, ossicular changes were observed in forty eight cases and in two cases all ossicles were intact. Long process of incus is the most frequently involved ossicle. The most common pathology was found to be mixed type (52%). Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that ossicular chain is commonly involved in chronic otitis media squamous type and mixed pathology consisting of cholesteatoma and granulation tissue is the most frequent pathology.