Comparison of Titanium vs. Polycel Total Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Biomaterials in reconstructive surgery
• Audiology

Background:

• Ossicular chain reconstruction is a common otologic surgical procedure.
• Titanium and Polycel prostheses are frequently used for total ossicular replacement.
• Limited prospective data exists comparing these specific prostheses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the hearing outcomes of titanium (with omega connector) and Polycel total ossicular replacement prostheses.
• To evaluate the efficacy of these prostheses in a prospective, single-blind, randomized clinical trial.

Main Methods:

• 105 patients requiring total ossicular replacement prosthesis underwent surgery.
• Patients were randomized to receive either a titanium Kurz prosthesis or a Polycel prosthesis.
• Hearing results were assessed using pure tone audiometry and speech reception threshold over 6-12 months.

Main Results:

• Successful hearing was achieved in 64.4% of patients with titanium and 65% with Polycel prostheses.
• No significant differences were observed between groups in speech reception threshold improvement (11.5 dB titanium vs. 13 dB Polycel).
• Air-bone gap closure was also comparable between the titanium (11.2 dB) and Polycel (12.4 dB) groups.

Conclusions:

• Both titanium and Polycel prostheses are effective for ossicular reconstruction.
• These prostheses yield similar improvements in hearing function, including speech reception and air-bone gap closure.