BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of the stapes superstructure is still a problem. Efforts for the fixation of implants on the footplate did not show satisfying results yet. METHODS: In 6 guinea pigs a biovitro ceramic (Bioverit) was placed on the stapes footplate after removal of the superstructure. The exclusive bony fixation of the implants on the footplate should be achieved by the use of silicone foils. For control purposes replantation of autologous ossicles was done in one group of 3 animals and a sham operation was performed without any use of implants in the other group of 6 guinea pigs. RESULTS: After 21 weeks not only bony fixation of the implant with the footplate was observed, but furthermore with the wall of the middle ear. Bone formation was detected along the silicone foils. In the first control group of animals we found bony fixation of the replanted ossicles and even a bow-shaped reconstruction of the stapes superstructure in the second. CONCLUSIONS: The guinea pig was not an ideal model for questions of middle ear reconstructions due to its enormous potential for bone formation. In this animal model bony fixation of glass-ceramic with the stapes-footplate could be induced.
BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of the stapes superstructure is still a problem. Efforts for the fixation of implants on the footplate did not show satisfying results yet. METHODS: In 6 guinea pigs a biovitro ceramic (Bioverit) was placed on the stapes footplate after removal of the superstructure. The exclusive bony fixation of the implants on the footplate should be achieved by the use of silicone foils. For control purposes replantation of autologous ossicles was done in one group of 3 animals and a sham operation was performed without any use of implants in the other group of 6 guinea pigs. RESULTS: After 21 weeks not only bony fixation of the implant with the footplate was observed, but furthermore with the wall of the middle ear. Bone formation was detected along the silicone foils. In the first control group of animals we found bony fixation of the replanted ossicles and even a bow-shaped reconstruction of the stapes superstructure in the second. CONCLUSIONS: The guinea pig was not an ideal model for questions of middle ear reconstructions due to its enormous potential for bone formation. In this animal model bony fixation of glass-ceramic with the stapes-footplate could be induced.