Which feature distinguishes a radical mastoidectomy from a modified radical mastoidectomy?

• A Removal of the posterior canal wall
• B Exenteration of the mastoid air cells
• C Removal of the incus
• D Preservation of the middle ear functioning apparatus with attempt at hearing reconstruction ✓

Explanation

Both operations remove the posterior canal wall, exenterate mastoid air cells and exteriorise the middle ear into a common cavity. The defining difference is that modified radical mastoidectomy preserves or reconstructs the functioning middle ear apparatus to retain serviceable hearing, whereas radical mastoidectomy removes the ossicles and middle ear mucosa with no attempt at hearing preservation. Removal of the incus occurs in both procedures and therefore cannot discriminate between them.

Reference: Dhingra, Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.