Torps and Porps: A transmission and scanning electron microscopic study

Histopathology of Ossicular Grafts and Implants in Chronic Otitis Media

“…Such a host response has also been reported by other investigators. 13,[22][23][24][25][26][27] The presence of this foreign body response is in contradistinction to some reports in the literature indicating that the porosity of the material would permit ingrowth of host tissue and enhance its biocompatibility. 28,29 Some investigators have abandoned the use of Plastipore and similar plastic prostheses, predicting eventual implant dissolution and failure, 24,25,30,31 whereas others have argued that the reaction remains at a microscopic level and that the ME can tolerate the material for long periods of time.…”

“…28,29 Some investigators have abandoned the use of Plastipore and similar plastic prostheses, predicting eventual implant dissolution and failure, 24,25,30,31 whereas others have argued that the reaction remains at a microscopic level and that the ME can tolerate the material for long periods of time. 13,22,26,29,32 Although the small number of cases in our series does not allow for a definite conclusion to be drawn, the intense foreign body reaction seen in all cases, with significant biodegradation in some cases, does warrant caution in the continued otologic use of implants made of porous plastic.…”

Soft tissue reaction to ceramic ossicular replacement prosthesis

“…Long-term (longer than six months) implantation of TORP or PORP (porous, Plastipore) caused proliferation of connective tissue around and in the material, always with foreign body giant cells (Belal and Odnert, 1982;Kerr, 1981). Macroscopically, there was no change in size and shape of the material, but, microscopically, the material was found to be partially destroyed due to foreign body reaction and consequently reduced in size.…”

Failed ossiculoplsty using porous polyethylene (Plasti-pore) prostheses

“…These findings suggested strongly that prosthesis biodegradation was occurring as part of a foreign body reaction. Belal and Odnert (1982) examined Plasti-pore® prostheses removed seven to 34 months' postoperatively by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. They found no gross evidence of erosion or disintegration of the prostheses, but micro-disintegration of the TORPs and PORPs was suggested by the constant local foreign body reaction and the presence of electron-dense paniculate matter inside the cytoplasm of giant cells.…”