Outcomes Comparing Primary Pediatric Stapedectomy for Congenital Stapes Footplate Fixation and Juvenile Otosclerosis

Objective To compare presentation, operative findings, and outcomes among pediatric patients undergoing primary stapedectomy for congenital stapes footplate fixation (CSFF) and juvenile otosclerosis (JO). Study Design Retrospective review. Setting Combined experience from 2 tertiary academic referral centers. Patients Pediatric patients with CSFF and JO. Intervention Primary stapedectomy. Main Outcome Measure(s) 1) Preoperative and postoperative audiometric data using the 1995 AAO-HNS reporting guidelines; 2) Notable operative findings, and postoperative complications. Results Forty-four pediatric ears met inclusion criteria (27 CSFF, 17 JO). Patients with CSFF presented with a more significant hearing loss (mean PTA 52 dB versus 42 dB; p = 0.04), underwent surgery at a younger age (12.2 versus 16.3 yr; p < 0.001), and more commonly had coincident ossicular malformations (37% versus 0%; p = 0.004). Subjects with JO demonstrated a smaller postoperative ABG (mean 8.8 dB versus 17.2 dB; p = 0.04), although both groups experienced a statistically significant improvement following surgery. Mean bone conduction thresholds remained stable for both groups. There were no instances of profound sensorineural hearing loss, perilymph gusher, facial nerve paresis, or tympanic membrane perforation. Conclusion When performed by an experienced surgeon, stapedectomy is safe and effective in managing carefully selected pediatric patients with CSFF and JO. CSFF is associated with a more severe hearing loss at presentation and concurrent ossicular anomalies are common. Both groups experience substantial benefit from stapedectomy, although ABG closure rates are superior in patients with JO. These data may be helpful in preoperative assessment and patient counseling.