The use of hydroxyapatite granules in mastoid obliteration.

The problems of open radical mastoid cavities are well known. One of the ways to manage such problems is obliteration of the mastoid cavity. Most biological materials, such as muscle flap or bone chips/paste, tend to be resorbed with time, resulting in reformation of the cavity. The author reports a series of 34 mastoid obliteration operations using hydroxyapatite granules and an inferiorly based periosteal flap. The follow-up period was between 1 and 5 years. The obliterated cavities remained small, stable and trouble-free. Water was tolerated in the cavities allowing most patients to enjoy water sports. Only one patient had permanent discharge due to incomplete epithelialization of the obliterated cavity.