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Titanium grommets: a trial to assess function and extrusion rates
1Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Titanium grommets initially showed better function but did not prevent extrusion compared to Teflon grommets. Titanium grommets also had a higher infection rate, questioning their cost-effectiveness for ear ventilation tubes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Ventilation tubes are crucial for treating middle ear effusions.
- Titanium grommets were proposed to offer improved extrusion resistance over traditional designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively compare the functional outcomes and extrusion rates of titanium grommets versus Shepard Teflon grommets.
- To evaluate the incidence of complications associated with each grommet type.
Main Methods:
- A prospective trial involving 31 children was conducted.
- Each child received both titanium and Teflon grommets, one in each ear, for direct comparison.
- Grommet function and extrusion were monitored over 16 months.
Main Results:
- Titanium grommets demonstrated significantly better function at 8 months (p < 0.05).
- No significant difference in extrusion rates was observed between titanium and Teflon grommets at 12 and 16 months.
- A higher incidence of infection and granulation tissue formation was noted around titanium grommets.
Conclusions:
- The enhanced initial function of titanium grommets does not outweigh their higher cost and increased risk of infection.
- Current evidence does not justify the routine use of titanium grommets over standard Teflon grommets.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of titanium grommets on the tympanic membrane.
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