Comparative electron microscopic study of the surface structure of gold, Teflon, and titanium stapes prostheses.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to compare stapes prostheses of different materials with respect to their surface structures and to discuss their suitability for their use in stapes surgery.


BACKGROUND
The surface condition of a stapes prosthesis plays an important role in relation to the type of membrane that forms between the stapes piston and the bony edge of the stapedotomy opening. The quality of this membrane in thickness and mobility is one of the determinants for postoperative hearing improvement.


METHODS
The surface conditions of gold, Teflon/steel, Teflon/platinum, and titanium stapes prostheses were examined with a scanning electron microscope. The loop, shaft, and end of each prosthesis were studied.


RESULTS
The gold piston was the smoothest of the four pistons examined. When it was cut with a scalpel, a very smooth surface was achieved at the end area. The Teflon piston had the roughest surface. However, when it was cut, a smooth surface with a parallel arrangement of fibers resulted. Its steel loop was the smoothest, followed by gold and platinum. The titanium shaft had a scaly surface, which remained when the end of the shaft was shortened.


CONCLUSIONS
Because a certain roughness of the piston surface is necessary for the development of a stable membrane between the piston and the edge of the stapedotomy opening, the titanium prosthesis is considered to be the most suitable for stapes surgery of the three pistons examined.
Kwok
P
P
Ear, Nose, and Throat Department, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
Fisch
U
U
Strutz
J
J
Jacob
P
P
D006046:Gold; D006801:Humans; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods; D019933:Ossicular Replacement; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D013199:Stapes; D013201:Stapes Surgery; D014025:Titanium
D006046:Gold; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D014025:Titanium