History of Ossicular Chain Reconstruction

AbstractPurpose of ReviewOssicular erosion is a well-known complication of chronic ear disease, particularly when associated with cholesteatoma. Discontinuity of the ossicular chain can result in varying degrees of conductive hearing loss. Surgical correction and rehabilitation through ossiculoplasty has long been described as a successful means of hearing rehabilitation. Since its original description, numerous advancements have been made, particularly in the sector of prosthesis design and development.Recent FindingsSince the original ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR) was first described in 1952, various allografts, autografts, and homografts have all been utilized as ossicular prostheses. Since no one graft material was deemed superior to the others, grafts from each subtype were developed and implemented contemporaneously. While homografts lost popularity in the 1980s following concerns of disease transmission, they continue to have concentrated areas of use outside of the USA and Europe. Alternatively, autograft and allografts remain popular interposition mediums. Each has continued to evolve since their first description.SummaryOssiculoplasty has evolved dramatically over the past 70  years. Marked advances in ossicular prosthesis design as well as improvements in bio-inert materials have heralded in new possibilities in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of conductive hearing loss.
Source: Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports - Category: ENT & OMF Source Type: research