Operative management of superior semicircular canal dehiscence.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcomes of patients undergoing surgical management of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients undergoing surgical treatment for SSCD at our institution between 2000 and 2004 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Eleven patients underwent unilateral operative management via a middle fossa approach. Ten patients were treated successfully by canal plugging and one unsuccessfully by canal re-roofing. Plugging of SSCD provided resolution of sound- and pressure-induced nystagmus, autophony, and conductive hearing loss (HL). One patient experienced a mild high-frequency sensorineural HL and two patients experienced both a mild high-frequency sensorineural HL and a reduction in vestibular function. Two additional patients underwent exploration for SSCD but were found to have a thin layer of bone overlying the canal.

CONCLUSIONS

Plugging of the SSCD, while efficacious in alleviating the symptoms of the disease, may cause loss of labyrinthine function beyond the superior canal.