ABSTRACT
Type I tympanoplasty describes the reconstruction of the tympanic membrane in the presence of an
intact and mobile ossicular chain. This procedure is synonymous with the term myringoplasty.
Type III tympanoplasty describes the reconstruction performed when the incus and malleus have been removed or eroded by disease. The tympanic membrane is reconstructed to lie on the stapes head to create a columella effect or myringostapediopexy. The same principle is applied with some ossiculoplasty procedures, where the stapes superstructure or footplate is in contact with the reconstructed tympanic membrane via a prosthesis.
