Objectives: We evaluated the preliminary results of the circumferential subannular grafting technique, which has been proposed as a modification of the standard underlay method.
Patients and methods: Twenty patients (15 females, 5 males; mean age 32.4 years; range 13 to 65 years) with chronic otitis media were operated on with the use of the circumferential subannular grafting technique. The mean follow-up was 13.6 months (range 1 to 36).
Results: No complications were encountered related to graft survival or the external ear canal. The mean air-bone gap was 25.2+/-8.6 dB preoperatively and 15.8+/-7.4 dB postoperatively, with a mean decrease of 10+/-7.9 dB.
Conclusion: Circumferential subannular grafting was found to be effective in restoring tympanic membrane perforations in all the quadrands. The main limitations of the technique are the need for surgical skills and the necessity of an intact or remnant manubrium mallei.