Aluminum Oxide Ceramic Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis

Abstract

Two different prototypes of columella materials made from aluminum oxide ceramics were newly designed by the author for ossicular reconstruction. CORP-P (ceramic ossicular replacement prosthesis-partial) is used as a columella to fit onto the stapes head, and CORP-T (ceramic ossicular replacement prosthesis-total) is used as a columella placed onto the footplate of the stapes. In addition to the general properties of ceramic implants, CORP has these two characteristics: the unique shape of its head, which allows easy and smooth contact with the fascia graft, and the radiopacity, which makes it possible to confirm the position of the implants by x-ray examination after implantation.