Use of the argon laser in the treatment of malleus fixation.

This case demonstrates the use of the argon laser for ossicular mobilization. A preoperative audiologic evaluation revealed a severe conductive hearing loss, with a maximum air-bone gap. Since normal drilling procedures would result in a sensorineural hearing loss, the argon laser was chosen to remove a bony spur connecting the malleus to the posterior canal wall. When using the argon laser, no disarticulation of the incus and stapes is required. Postoperative audiologic evaluation revealed normal hearing sensitivity bilaterally.