Biomaterials in Otology Experimental Aspects and General Clinical Implications

Summary

This study has been undertaken at a time when the world of material science has presented the otologist with a wide selection of biomaterials which may be suitable for middle ear reconstruction.

An objective in vivo study was performed

• (1) to compare the three main commercial ceramics;

• (2) to assess, for the first time, the biocompatibility of the latest generation of polymers in the middle ear;

• (3) to observe the behaviour of carbon, previously implanted in other parts of the body, but not yet successfully reported in relation to the middle ear.

Implants of uniform shape and size were prepared from the above biomaterials and interposed in 160 rat middle ears for periods of up to one year. Following sacrifice, the implant-containing middle ears were excised, fixed, prepared, sectioned and examined by scanning electron microscopy with chemical analysis facilities and light microscopy. The technique of ion etching was applied for the first time to the study of the implant surface reactions deep in the middle ear.

The results are demonstrated and the clinical implications discussed.