What type of tissue is commonly used for grafts in tympanoplasty to repair a ruptured eardrum?

Temporalis fascia is the preferred type of tissue used for grafts in tympanoplasty due to its favorable properties for repairing a ruptured eardrum. This specific fascia is the connective tissue that envelops the temporalis muscle, located on the side of the head, and is widely accessible during ear surgery. Its thinness and flexibility allow it to integrate well with the delicate structures of the middle ear, promoting healing and aiding in the restoration of normal sound transmission.

Other tissues, while sometimes considered in surgical procedures, do not offer the same advantages in this context. For instance, skin grafts are generally thicker and may not adhere well to the fragile tympanic membrane. Cartilage, while strong and resilient, can be more challenging to manipulate and integrate into the eardrum structure. Muscle tissue, although it can heal well, lacks the appropriate histological properties needed for tympanic membrane repair, making it less suitable for this specific application.