[Reconstruction of the ossicular chain--current strategies]

Besides eradication of chronic middle ear disease, the reconstruction of the sound conduction apparatus is a major goal of ear microsurgery. If available, the autogenous ossicle represents the gold standard as material for the partial ossicular reconstruction. In the event of a more extensive destruction of the ossicular chain diverse alloplastic materials are used for total reconstruction. Such prostheses must fulfil high demands in terms of biocompatibility and their acoustic-mechanic properties. In recent years, filigree titanium middle ear implants, allowing individual adaptation to anatomical variations, have been widely used for this procedure. However, despite the development of modern prostheses, the postoperative hearing result is significantly influenced by a number of prosthesis-unrelated factors, such as the status of the middle ear mucosa and the aeration of the middle-ear. This article reviews the up-to-date standard for reconstruction of the ossicular chain.