[Are titanium implants superior to gold implants in the tympanic cavity?]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Gold implants have a history of sufficient function in middle ear reconstructive surgery for various tympanic cavity conditions.
• Titanium implants are also established, demonstrating satisfactory biocompatibility, clinical, and audiological results.
• A significant concern with gold prostheses in stapes surgery is the potential for occasional deafness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively compare the clinical and functional outcomes of middle ear surgery using titanium versus gold prostheses.
• To evaluate the suitability and performance of titanium and gold implants in reconstructive middle ear procedures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical and functional results from middle ear surgeries.
• Inclusion of 53 patients who received titanium prostheses and 42 patients who received gold prostheses without preselection.
• Examination of audiological results and implant extrusion rates.

Main Results:

• Titanium prostheses (partial ossicular replacement prostheses, total ossicular replacement prostheses) allow for simpler insertion and better fit due to material properties and design.
• Audiological outcomes were comparable between gold and titanium prostheses.
• Gold prostheses exhibited a substantial extrusion rate, while titanium prostheses showed a negligible extrusion rate.

Conclusions:

• Both gold and titanium prostheses yield comparable functional results in middle ear reconstructive surgery.
• Titanium prostheses are clearly superior to gold prostheses due to significantly lower extrusion rates.
• Titanium is recommended over gold for middle ear reconstructive surgery to minimize complications.