[New ceramic implants for reconstruction of the ear ossicle chain]

Due to new technologies it is now possible to produce more ingeniously shaped ceramic implants. The essential characteristics of our newly designed implants are perforations at the distal end of the shaft which allow a better medial anchorage. Intraoperatively they will be filled with small pieces of connective tissue or periosteum to improve the position of the implant on the stapes head or the foot plate. We also want to comment on the fundamental importance of a stable reconstruction of the tympanic membrane level, e.g. in cases of a missing handle of the malleus. With a judicious indication and correct techniques the functionel long-term results of ceramic implants will be excellent.