The current status of materials for use in middle ear reconstruction is discussed with particular emphasis given to alloplastic implants including bioinert and bioactive materials. Bioglass is a bioactive transparent glass which forms a bond with living tissues. Its development and characteristics are discussed, and the early results of a clinical trial using a Bioglass middle ear prosthesis are presented. The satisfactory tissue response and hearing results found in this preliminary group of patients encourage further clinical evaluation of the Bioglass middle ear prosthesis for use in ossicular reconstruction.
BellucciRJ. Basic considerations for success in tympanoplasty. Arch Otolaryngol1969; 90: 80–9.
2.
BellucciRJ. Dual classification of tympanoplasty. Laryngoscope1973; 83: 1754–8.
3.
HenchLLSplinterRJGreenleeTKAllenWC. Bonding mechanisms at the interface of ceramic prosthetic materials. J Biomed Mater Res1971; 2: 117–41.
4.
HenchLLEthridgeEC. Biomaterials: an interfacial approach. New York: Academic Press, 1983.
5.
WilsonJPigottGHSchoenFJHenchLL. Toxicology and biocompatibility of bioglasses. J Biomed Mater Res1981; 15: 805–17.
6.
MerwinGEWilsonJHenchLL. Current status of the development of Bioglass ossicular replacement implants. In: GroteJJ, ed. Biomaterials in otology. Boston: Martinus Nijhoff, 1984: 220–9.
7.
MerwinGEAtkinsJSWilsonJHenchLL. Comparison of ossicular replacement materials in a mouse ear model. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg1982; 90: 461–9.
8.
MerwinGEWilsonJHenchLL. Comparison of homograft and Bioglass implants in a mouse ear model. Abstracts of Research Forum American Academy Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 1984.
