Histological Findings of Transplanted Homograft Cartilages

Abstract

We have used homologous nasal cartilage plates in 142 tympanoplasties for the past 7 years and obtained statisfactory results. In order to demonstrate the fate of homograft cartilages implanted into the middle ear, the transplanted cartilages removed at revision surgery were investigated histologically. Macroscopically, the appearance and shape of the cartilages have been remained unchanged without evidence of erosion. There was no evidence of any foreign body reaction and rejection phenomenon. Histologically, no marked changes of the matrix tissues were found in general, although chondrocytes showed degenerative changes. There was partial absorption of cartilage and replacement by fibrous tissue when inflamnatory changes occurred in the middle ear. It is concluded that the implanted homograft cartilages can be expected to maintain its stiffness for a long period in a healthy, aerated middle ear.