The Wullstein type III tympanoplasty (columella effect) is used when:

• A The tympanic membrane alone is perforated with intact ossicular chain
• B The malleus handle is destroyed but the incus and stapes are intact
• C The entire ossicular chain is absent but the stapes footplate is mobile ✓
• D The stapes superstructure is absent and the footplate alone remains

Explanation

Wullstein type III tympanoplasty (myringostapediopexy or columella reconstruction) is performed when the entire ossicular chain except the stapes is absent but the stapes and its footplate are mobile. The reconstructed tympanic membrane is placed directly on the stapes head, using the columella effect. Type I repairs the TM with intact ossicles; Type II bridges a defective malleus; Type IV involves placing TM over a mobile footplate with absent superstructure.

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.