In Wullstein's classification of tympanoplasty, which type describes placing the graft directly onto the head of an intact, mobile stapes when both the incus and the malleus handle are absent?
- A Type I tympanoplasty
- B Type II tympanoplasty
- C Type III tympanoplasty ✓
- D Type IV tympanoplasty
Correct answer: C. Type III tympanoplasty
Explanation
Wullstein Type III is myringostapediopexy: the graft is laid over the stapes head, creating a shallow middle ear cavity and protecting the round window. Type II places the graft on the incus or malleus remnant, Type IV places it in the oval niche over the footplate, shielding the round window. Type I is simple myringoplasty with an intact ossicular chain.
Reference: Scott-Brown's Essential Otorhinolaryngology, 3rd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.