Management of External Auditory Canal Anterior Wall Defect: A Case Series and Literature Review

Although rare in etiology, anterior bony wall defects of the external auditory canal (EAC) accompanied by temporomandibular joint herniation may cause various otologic symptoms. Surgical treatment can be considered based on symptom severity because many previous case reports have highlighted its efficacy. This study aimed to review the long-term results of surgical treatment of EAC anterior wall defect and to suggest a stepwise approach when creating a treatment plan. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 10 patients who underwent surgical management to address the EAC anterior wall defect and its associated symptoms. Medical records, temporal bone computed tomography scans, audiometry, and endoscopic examination findings were analyzed. RESULTS: The primary repair of the EAC defect was the first to be surgically addressed in most cases, excluding one case with a severe combined infection. Of the 10 cases, 3 patients exhibited either postoperative complications or symptom recurrence. Six patients had resolved symptoms consequent to primary surgical repair, and four patients underwent revision surgery undergoing a more invasive procedure, such as canalplasty or mastoidectomy. CONCLUSION: Primary repair of the anterior wall defect of the EAC seems to be overpromoted for lasting results but is not as promising as previously noted. We therefore propose to create a novel treatment flowchart regarding the surgical treatment of anterior wall defects of the EAC based on clinical experience. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.