[20 years of tympano-ossicular allografts]

As ossicular homografts have been readily used since 1965 and tympanic and tympano-ossicular grafts since 1970, we felt it would be interesting to analyse over 3000 cases taken from two centers (Paris and Bordeaux) and to consider the evolution and development of these grafts. The study concentrates on five main points: the indications for tympanic and tympano-ossicular homografts; the immediate and long-term anatomical results; the immediate and long-term functional results; the disadvantages and risks associated with their use; the evolution and development of homografts Looking at the whole study we consider the results to be very satisfactory especially when one considers the pathological context in which they are achieved. We comment on the problems encountered with these homografts. However these should not constitute a contra-indication to their use.