New Semi-Synthetic TORP Ossiculoplasty: Long-Term Results

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Ossiculoplasty is a surgical procedure to restore hearing by reconstructing the middle ear ossicles.
• Traditional ossicular replacement prostheses (TORPs) have varying long-term outcomes and complication rates.
• A novel semi-synthetic TORP has been developed to potentially improve hearing outcomes and reduce complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term hearing results following ossiculoplasty using a new semi-synthetic TORP.
• To assess the stability of hearing outcomes over time.
• To determine the extrusion rate of the new semi-synthetic TORP.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary referral center.
• Eighteen ossiculoplasties were performed using the new semi-synthetic TORP.
• Primary outcome: long-term postoperative air-bone gap (ABG). Secondary outcomes: air-conduction pure-tone average (ACPTA), word recognition scores, and extrusion rate.

Main Results:

• Short-term ABG improved from 33.5 dB to 12.2 dB; 88.8% achieved ABG ≤20 dB.
• Long-term ABG improved to 13.2 dB; 83.3% achieved ABG ≤20 dB.
• No significant difference between short-term and long-term ABG; extrusion rate was 0%.

Conclusions:

• The new semi-synthetic TORP offers excellent and stable long-term hearing restoration.
• The prosthesis demonstrates a favorable safety profile with no extrusion observed.
• This semi-synthetic TORP represents a promising option for ossiculoplasty procedures.