The homograft myringoplasty and the lamina propria of the tympanic membrane.

The lamina propria of the tympanic membrane is composed of a unique system of radial and nonradial fibers which contribute importantly to its function. Over 1000 patients have undergone operations for the transplantation of the homograft tympanic membrane. Animal experiments have been presented to determine whether or not the fiber system of the lamina propria of the tympanic membrane is preserved in the homograft tympanic membrane. In conjunction with this, a small series of experiments was conducted to determine the appearance of the fiber system in perforations that heal spontaneously. Current knowledge concerning the function of the fiber network is discussed. The results of the present study indicate that the lamina propria fiber network is at least partially preserved in the homograft tympanic membrane and that the fiber network of the lamina propria is not reconstituted in spontaneously healed tympanic membranes.