Hydroxyapatite prosthesis extrusion.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the mechanism of prosthesis extrusion and evaluate preoperative and postoperative variables associated with extrusion of hydroxyapatite prostheses for ossicular reconstruction.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective case review.

SETTING

Tertiary referral, university medical center.

PATIENTS: Patients undergoing ossiculoplasty with a hydroxyapatite prosthesis and having at least six months follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Prosthesis extrusion, defined as loss of the tympanic membrane resulting in exposure of the prosthesis. Extrusion is further classified into early (< 2 months) and late (> 6 months).

RESULTS

Early extrusion or tympanoplasty graft failure occurred in 15/195 cases (8%). Late extrusion was seen in 17/125 cases (14%). Cases exhibiting late extrusion had a significantly greater incidence of postoperative atelectasis (p < 0.0001), recurrent otitis media (p < 0.0001), and myringitis (p = 0.003) than those with retention of the prosthesis. Regression analysis found an abnormal contralateral ear increased the risk of postoperative recurrent otitis media, while staged surgery reduced the risk, odds ratios of 3.56 (95% confidence interval 2.20-9.37) and 6.84 (95% CI 4.24-17.76) respectively. There were no preoperative variables that predicted postoperative atelectasis or myringitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent otitis media, myringitis, and atelectasis developing after ossiculoplasty are associated with a greater risk of prosthesis extrusion. Predicting postoperative complications from preoperative and intraoperative findings proved difficult. Measures to prevent atelectasis, such as covering the prosthesis with cartilage, are recommended at the time of ossiculoplasty.