Reconstruction of the ossicular chain with hydroxyapatite implants.

This paper describes the clinical results of the application of dense hydroxyapatite assembly prostheses. A study of 60 patients with hydroxyapatite incus prostheses revealed an air-bone gap closure within 20 dB in 86.6% of the cases, and an air-bone gap closure of less than 10 dB in 60.6%. No improvement was seen in 5% of the patients. The follow-up period varied from 1 to 4 years with an average of 2 years, and the hearing gain remained constant during this period. Hydroxyapatite may be considered a useful material for reconstructive middle ear surgery.