Bioglass middle ear prosthesis: preliminary report.

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.