An underlay tympanoplasty graft is placed medial to the tympanic membrane remnant. Which material is considered the gold standard graft for this technique?

• A Perichondrium from the tragal cartilage
• B Vein graft from the dorsum of the hand
• C Temporalis fascia ✓
• D Fat from the lobule of the ear

Explanation

Temporalis fascia is the gold-standard graft for underlay tympanoplasty due to its ideal thickness, ease of harvest, excellent take rate, and biomechanical properties similar to the native tympanic membrane. Tragal perichondrium/cartilage is preferred in revision cases or total perforations but is not the primary standard. Vein grafts and fat are used for small perforations (fat plug myringoplasty) only.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.