Austin's classification for ossicular chain defects depends on -

Austin - Kartush classification of ossicular chain defect To predict reconstructive success, the status of the middle ear and ossicular chain needs to be assessed. The Austin - Kartush classification of ossicular chain defects provides a method for defining pre-reconstructive ossicular status. Austin's original classification had four groups:- Malleus handle and stapes suprastructure present Malleus handle present, stapes suprastructure absent Malleus handle absent, stapes suprastructure present Malleus handle and stapes suprastructure absent Kartush modified this scheme by adding three classes:- E.  Intact ossicular chain F. Ossicular head fixation G. Stapes fixation