A type III tympanoplasty (myringostapediopexy) is indicated when:

• A The malleus, incus and stapes are absent but the footplate is mobile
• B The malleus and incus are eroded but the stapes suprastructure is present ✓
• C The malleus handle is present and the stapes suprastructure is intact
• D The ossicular chain is intact but the tympanic membrane is perforated

Explanation

In Wullstein's classification, Type III tympanoplasty involves placing the neotympanum directly onto the head of the stapes when the malleus and incus are absent but the stapes suprastructure remains. This is called myringostapediopexy. Type IV involves grafting onto the footplate when only the footplate remains mobile. Type I is myringoplasty when the ossicular chain is intact.

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.