Prosthetic bones in the inner ear

At the age of 7 I was diagnosed with a cholesteatoma.  I had a complete mastiodectomy, which was sucessful and I've had good health as far as my hearing goes, since then.  Here's my question, in 1994 I had reconstructive surgery to replace the bones in my inner ear that were destroyed by the cholesteatoma, any idea what kind of material those are made of?  I had an MRI yesterday for a neck problem and they asked me, I have no clue.

[Eric P Wilkinson, MD]

Hi Juliesmom,

It is likely that the prosthesis was made out of hydroxyapatite and porous polyethylene, though the only way to be truly sure would be to see the operation report.  Titanium prostheses weren't being widely used at that time.  However, all prostheses used for your reconstruction should be MRI safe.  The only prostheses that have been unsafe were stapes pistons made in 1986-1987 by a particular company.  So, you should be fine.

Good luck!

[sousa13]

A related discussion, ear surgery was started.