Ionomeric cement in the human middle ear cavity: Long-term results of 23 cases

Objectives: The long-term results of the implantation of glass ionomer ceme nt in the human mastoid and middle ear were studied. Study Design: A prospe ctive study of the survival of bone cement in the middle ear. Methods: Iono cem (IONOS, Medizinische Produkte Gmbh & Co., Seefeld/Obb, Germany), a two- compound bone material that forms a stable, waterproof junction with bone, was implanted in 23 middle ears of 23 patients (13 male and 10 female patie nts). Closure of the dehiscence of the tegmen was performed in ? cases, obl iteration of the mastoid cavity in 10 cases, and ossicular chain reconstruc tion in 6 cases. Results: The follow-up period was 5.1 years. Complications attributable to operation were not seen, but adverse tissue reaction with severe middle ear infection and abundant otorrhea occurred in six cases aft er 12 months, requiring repeat operation. In three more cases, a spontaneou s extrusion of the bone cement was seen after 4 years. The bone cement was totally extruded in nine cases. The mean survival time was 28 months. Concl usions: The use of Ionocem for obliteration of the mastoid cavity or for th e closure of dehiscence of the tegmen has a high risk of extrusion. Therefo re, it is not the first-choice material to use for obliteration or tegmen d efect closure in the middle ear.