Biomaterials in otology
Portmann, M.
Revue de Laryngologie - Otologie - Rhinologie 112(4): 301-303
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-1334 PMID: 1775752 Document Number: 379026
Biomaterial may be biological or non-biological in origin. Only the latter will be considered here. Their possible use in otology is threefold: ossiculoplasty: the author recalls the different materials used during the past 30 years. Today, it seems that only certain ceramics are able to compete with auto and homografts. Hydroxylapatite ossicles are a perfectly good alternative; canal wall reconstruction in radical operations: in this context their role appears to be less satisfactory than that of autografts; cavity obliteration: very useful and effective when performed in the correct situation and under certain well-defined technical conditions. After outlining the different materials used in the past 30 years, the author draws upon the experience of his own school to give his personal opinion.