BACKGROUND: Quasi static pressure changes as they occur in altitude changes or Valsalva's manoeuvre are causing great tympanic membrane displacements. These can produce a prosthesis dislocation from the stapes footplate, in case of using a TORP for reconstruction. Additionally, prostheses extrusions can occur in the chronically poor ventilated middle ear. Anatomical studies on the ostrich demonstrate that the flexible columella in the avian middle ear provides a good sound transmission and features an effective inner ear protection in pressure changes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Focusing on this bionic attempt, we designed a new micro joint TORP by interposing a silicone ball joint in the prosthesis shaft. This prototype was used for frequency response measurements with the laser Doppler vibrometer in the ventilated middle ear and under conditions of increased pressure in the external auditory canal.

RESULTS: Frequency response measurements showed comparable results to those using a conventional TORP. Investigations on pressure changes in the external auditory canal demonstrated a significant decrease in footplate excursion after reconstruction with the new micro-joint prosthesis then compared to a common TORP.

CONCLUSIONS: The insertion of the new silicone bordered micro joint into a TORP shaft provides an effective method to decrease the potentially damaging stapes footplate excursions after complete ossicular reconstruction. Limited deflections of the prosthesis shaft reduce the occurring forces on the stapes footplate as they partly bore the quasi static pressure changes. Thus, the micro joint can reduce the risk of prostheses dislocation and annular ligament damage and is additionally providing a proper sound transmission through the reconstructed middle ear. Moreover, the bionic modification of a TORP reflects the remaining possibilities for further improvements in prosthetic reconstruction.