Teflon implants vs titanium implants in stapedotomy - A comparative study

Haritosh Velankar,Karan Vayangankar,Cassandra Carvalho

doi:10.15342/ijms.7.268

Haritosh Velankar, Karan Vayangankar + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.15342/ijms.7.268

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Abstract

Objective: This study compares two types of implants- a Teflon piston and a titanium piston, used in stapes surgery for otosclerosis. Study Design: A non-randomised prospective study conducted on 40 patients, in 2 groups of 20 each, undergoing stapedotomy in a tertiary care hospital. Pure tone audiometry results were noted preoperatively and 3 weeks post-operatively.Results: Both Teflon and titanium prostheses provided almost equal benefits to patients in terms of Air-Bone gap closure.Conclusion: While there is statistically no significant difference in the results observed, surgical skill of the operating surgeon plays an important role in hearing improvement and long-term results would require long term evaluation.

Highlights

Otosclerosis is a hereditary disorder of bone metabolism of the otic capsule enchondral bone and is one of the most common causes of bilateral, gradually progressive conductive hearing loss with a normal tympanic membrane and Eustachian tube [1,2]
Patients included in this study are those having an intact tympanic membrane and a conductive hearing loss with an air-bone gap of atleast 15dB
Two groups of 20 twenty patients each were made, where the Teflon piston was used in one group and titanium piston was used in the other

Summary

Introduction

Otosclerosis is a hereditary disorder of bone metabolism of the otic capsule enchondral bone and is one of the most common causes of bilateral, gradually progressive conductive hearing loss with a normal tympanic membrane and Eustachian tube [1,2]. Surgical procedures to correct this began early as 1956, when Shea first used a Teflon prosthesis to replace the stapes [3]. Various materials have been used to manufacture the ideal stapes piston such as Teflon, stainless steel, platinum, titanium and nitinol [4]. An ideal piston demonstrates biocompatibility and provides adequate sound transmission. We compare Teflon and titanium implants, which are commonly used by ENT practitioners today

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