[Aluminum oxide ceramics in reconstructive nose surgery. Histological studies in rabbits]

Experiences with Al2O3-ceramic implants designed to reconstruct the bony bridge of the nose and the nasal septum of rabbits are reported. The tissue reactions between the bony bed and the mucosa were examined by lightmicroscopy and fluorescencemicroscopy with incident light. Nasal septum implants were covered with connective tissue and coated with respiratory mucosa. Implants in bony areas always showed a layer of connective tissue between the implant's surface and the rebuilt bone. After a time period of 7 1/2 months all implants healed without inflammatory reactions and were solidly fixed to the surrounding tissue.