title: [Epithelialization of titanium prostheses in the middle ear of the rabbit. Possible model of mucosa development].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The epithelialization of middle ear implants is regarded as a sign of biocompatibility of the implant material.
  
  
  METHODS
  The mucosal coverage of titanium was studied in the middle ear of rabbits in light microscopy. Implants were used as middle ear prostheses or as a free implants. Studies were performed after 28, 84, 168, 336, and 504 days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prostheses were seen to be covered by regular mucosa after 28 days. The free implants were not seen to be totally epithelialized even after 504 days. There were no inflammation cells on the surface of the material, nor were unusual amounts of fibrous tissue observed. The middle ear mucosa was initially thickened, but soon returned to normal values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this animal experiment show that titanium is a suitable material for ossicular replacement.
authors.affiliation: Universitäts-HNO-Klinik Würzburg.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schwager
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D009998:Ossicular Prosthesis; D011817:Rabbits; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D014025:Titanium
vernacular_title: Epithelisierung von Titanprothesen im Mittelohr des Kaninchens. Modellvorstellungen zur Mukosaentwicklung.