RECONSTRUCTION OF THE EXTERNAL EAR CANAL WALL WITH IMPLANTATION OF A NEW FLEXIBLE MATERIAL
COMPOSITE POLYMER + HYDROXYLAPATITE)

D. Zanetti, N. Civiero

Otorhinolaryngologic Clinic - University of Brescia (Italy)

In search of an ideal material to repair bony defects in the outer ear canal wall as well as for other otologic applications, the Authors began in 1996 a prospective study implanting a new composite material, made of an inorganic component (porous hydroxylapatite or HA) and an organic polymeric matrix (polycaprolactone), in a group of chronic otitis media patients.

Afler having obtained an appropriate combination of the two components with various experiments in animals, the material seems to share both their qualities: osteoinduction and integration, resistance to resorption and mechanical pressure (HA), with the distinct advantage of flexibility (polymer). It is manufactured in 20 x 30 mm sheeths of 0.5-1.5 mm thickness and can be easily trimmed to the anatomic requirements in the individual patient.

Its current surgical otologic applications include:

- repair of atticotomy defects;

- total or partial reconstruction of bony ear canal wall;

- reinforcement of tympanic retraction pockets;

- trans-mastoid repair of tegmen defects.