Autologous ossicle and cortical bone in ossicular reconstruction.

The results of tympanoplasty using autologous ossicle or cortical bone were studied in 315 chronic ears. The surgery was for cholesteatoma in 196 (62%) of these ears and the mean follow-up time was 5.4 years. Best results were attained in ears in which the stapes was present. Autologous ossicle or cortical bone is recommended for ossicular reconstruction rather than artificial prostheses because the former do not cause foreign body reactions.