[Initial experiences with the dentin-ossicle prosthesis].

The results of 73 implantations performed from 1.7.1986-30.6.1988 are reported in a first follow-up study. 82% reached an air-bone gap of less than 30 dB, 55% of less than 20 dB. In comparison with other materials recently reported the functional results are a little less favourable due to the high percentage of revision surgery in our patients. Only few complications had to be noticed: no single extrusion was observed, but in one case a nearly complete resorption of the DOP was seen. Two DOPs, removed by revision surgery, were examined histologically. Beside resorptive processes, bony changes as a sign of biointegration into the middle ear were found. On account of our first results, DOP seems very suitable for the reconstruction of a destroyed ossicular chain, especially in cases where the autologous ossicles are not available.