Repair of traumatically ruptured tympanic membrane using hyaluronan.

Three large tympanic membrane (TM) perforations (occupying more than one quadrant) were treated with hyaluronan (1% hyaluronic acid) without delay after the accident. Using the highly viscous hyaluronan as an aid, the margins of the perforations could be noticeably restored. The size of the perforation could be immediately reduced to roughly half of its original size. Immediate restoration and covering of a traumatically ruptured TM wound improve the healing potential of the drum and counteract middle ear infection.