<prompt> All of the following steps are done in radical mastoidectomy except -Lowering of facial ridgeRemoval of middle ear mucosa and musclesRemoval of all ossicles except stapes footplateMaintenance of patency of eustachian tube  <response>: Steps in radical mastoidectomyThe posterior meatal wall is removed and the entire area of the middle ear, attic, antrum and mastoid is converted into a single cavity, by removing the bridge and lowering the facial ridge.All remnants of tympanic membrane, ossicles except the stapes footplate and mucoperiosteal lining are removed.The eustachian tube is obliterated by a piece of muscle or cartilage.The diseased middle ear and mastoid are permanently exteriorised for inspection and cleaning. 