A Wullstein type III tympanoplasty is characterized by:
- A Graft placed directly on the footplate of the stapes with all ossicles absent
- B Reconstruction of the ossicular chain with total ossicular replacement prosthesis
- C Graft placed on the capitulum of the stapes (myringostapediopexy) with absent malleus and incus ✓
- D Graft placed on the mobile incus remnant only
Correct answer: C. Graft placed on the capitulum of the stapes (myringostapediopexy) with absent malleus and incus
Explanation
In Wullstein's classification, type III tympanoplasty involves placement of the graft (or a new drum equivalent) directly onto the stapes capitulum when the malleus and incus are absent but the stapes superstructure is intact and mobile — called myringostapediopexy or columellar effect. Type IV places the graft over only the oval window footplate. Type V involves fenestration of the horizontal semicircular canal.
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.