Principles of Tissue Transplantation as Applied to Otology

Abstract

Tympanic membrane grafting with or without attached malleus has shown promise in otologic reconstruction. The tissues thus transplanted should conform to laws of immune recognition and attack by host mechanisms but there are many observations in transplantation of similar tissues elsewhere which suggest that a high rate of success might be expected from ear drum grafts. Immunobiologic principles as applied to collagenous tissue, and bone and cartilage grafts are the subject of this review.