[Autografts versus biomaterials for ossiculoplasty with normal stapes; a comparative analysis of functional outcome...

Ossicular graft is usually considered as the reference for surgical substitution in ossiculoplasties. Nevertheless, according to the infectious risks, nothing but autografts or synthetic prosthetic substitutes should be used nowadays. Authors compare hearing results for 100 patients after ossiculoplasty with either ossicular autograft or calcium-phospathe chain reconstruction. Audiometric results were retreived using both Glasgow Benefit Plot study and post-operative air-bone gap thresholds closure. Significant hearing improvement was statistically demonstrated in both conditions, and 60% of the patients had a post-operative hearing gain. Autograft ossicular reconstructions did not show to provide higher results. Biocompatibility and functionnal properties of calcium-phosphate materials retreived in this study, indicate that those ceramic substitutes should be considered as the best alternative to autografts.