title: Systematic approach to electrode insertion in the ossified cochlea.
abstract: Ossification of the fluid spaces of the cochlea occurs often in candidates for cochlear implantation, especially children. When noted before surgery on computerized tomography, ossification previously was thought to contraindicate cochlear implantation because of possible mechanical obstruction and uncertainty about the level of function that could be achieved by stimulating an ossified cochlea. However, during the preceding 6 years, techniques have been developed that permit implantation in ossified cochleas. We present a systematic approach that has been developed to treat the three clinically important categories of cochlear ossification: round window niche obliteration, inferior segment obstruction, and upper segment obstruction. Case reports are presented for each of these three drill-out procedures, demonstrating results often similar to those expected for implantation of the nonossified cochlea.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami, FL, USA.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Balkany
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Gantz
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Steenerson
authors.forename: N L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003051:Cochlea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D015834:Cochlear Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D000075202:Contraindications; D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009999:Ossification, Heterotopic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D010040:Otosclerosis / Q000601:surgery; D012405:Round Window, Ear / Q000601:surgery; D012533:Scala Tympani / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed