Comparison of Titanium versus Polycel as Partial Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION: Each type of prosthesis for ossiculoplasty has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of the best material has been a matter of various studies. The present study aimed to make a comparison between the hearing outcomes of partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) using titanium versus Polycel prosthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 106 patients undergoing PORP as a second stage ossiculoplasty were analyzed in this study. Following that, they were randomly assigned to two groups of titanium (n=54) and Polycel (n=52) prosthesis. Subsequently, pre-and post-operative audiometric data were assessed based on the aim of the study. RESULTS: In general, the post-operative air-bone gap within 20 dB was given to 63.5% and 55.6% of all ears in the Polycel and titanium groups, respectively, indicating a non-significant difference (P=0.407). Finally, no SNHL was observed in the groups. CONCLUSION: Overall, the hearing outcomes and the success rate of PORP are comparable between titanium and Polycel prostheses. Therefore, the selection of these prostheses could be based on the surgeons’ preferences, availability, and cost.