Comparative study of the clinical results obtained by means of Plastipore and ceramic ossicular prosthesis and bone allografts.

We present a comparative study of the clinical and audiologic results obtained by means of Plastipore and ceramic ossicular prostheses and bone allografts in reconstructive middle ear surgery. We stress the excellent tolerance for ceramic and bone allografts in comparison to Plastipore. Functionally, the best results were obtained with partial prostheses using bone allografts and with total ceramic ossicular prostheses. Air-bone gaps less than 10 dB (37%) and 20 dB (69%) were achieved in patients with partial prostheses; in patients with total prostheses, 38% had an air-bone gap of less than 10 dB and 62% of less than 20 dB.