Otology: tympanoplasty types: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Otology: tympanoplasty types

Sample item

In Wullstein's classification, a type III tympanoplasty means the graft is placed on which structure?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Head of the stapes (myringostapedopexy)

In type III tympanoplasty the malleus and incus are absent and the graft rests directly on the intact stapes superstructure, producing a columella effect. Type IV places the graft on a mobile footplate with a protected round window.

Option by option

  • A. Footplate of the stapes

    Type IV places the graft over a mobile footplate.

  • B. Promontory

    The promontory is not a contact site in types I to III.

  • C. Head of the stapes (myringostapedopexy) (correct)

    Correct. Type III places the graft on the stapes head.

  • D. Handle of the malleus

    Type I places the graft against an intact ossicular chain with malleus handle.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Head of the stapes (myringostapedopexy). In type III tympanoplasty the malleus and incus are absent and the graft rests directly on the intact stapes superstructure, producing a columella effect.

Why is "Footplate of the stapes" not the answer?

Type IV places the graft over a mobile footplate.

Why is "Promontory" not the answer?

The promontory is not a contact site in types I to III.

Why is "Handle of the malleus" not the answer?

Type I places the graft against an intact ossicular chain with malleus handle.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology: tympanoplasty types in ENT. Type IV places the graft on a mobile footplate with a protected round window.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Otology: tympanoplasty types?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.