Experience with a polyethylene total ossicular replacement prosthesis.

Surgical reconstruction of ossicular defects in chronic middle ear disease is a difficult problem. We have reviewed our results with the use of the Plastipore total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP). Of 29 procedures that were analyzed, nine were considered successful. None of our patients had a stapes superstructure, and 13 had no malleus. Placement of the TORP under the malleus handle and use of extra tissue between the prosthesis and the tympanic membrane provided better hearing results, but extrusion of the prothesis still occurred. Positioning of the prosthesis and contraction of the middle ear space, which causes extrusion of the prosthesis, remain problems in this type of reconstruction.