Study of autogenous transposed ossicles, bone and cartilage in man.

Study was made of 28 ossicles from 22 ears with chronic otitis, 12 autogenous transposed ossicles removed after varying periods of time, normal and 4 transplanted pieces of bone, and normal and 2 transplanted pieces of cartilage. The transposed ossicles were found to be dead, apart from certain special instances, showing pathology similar to non-transposed ossicles. Transplanted bone was also dead. Cartilage was vital. These autogenous transplants showed no evidence of rejection and less chronic inflammation than would be anticipated. It is suggested that autogenous ossicular or bone transplants in man act as inert but not rejected implants, while cartilage may remain viable.