Mastoid Obliteration After Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy Using Tissue Engineering Approaches with Polymers, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, and Bioactive Molecules: A Systematic Review
<b>Background</b>: Mastoid obliteration following canal wall down mastoidectomy reduces cavity-related morbidity. Conventional obliteration materials act primarily as passive fillers, whereas tissue engineering (TE) strategies aim to achieve biologically active bone regeneration. <b>Methods</b>: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 2010 to December 2025. Studies evaluating tissue engineering-assisted mastoid obliteration involving growth factors, mesenchymal stem cells, polymer scaffolds, or 3D-printed constructs were included. <b>Results</b>: Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria (12 preclinical and three clinical). Polymer-supported MSC constructs demonstrated the most consistent osteogenic enhancement in animal models. Clinical evidence remains limited to small PRP-based case series. <b>Conclusions</b>: Preliminary evidence suggests that tissue engineering-assisted mastoid obliteration has regenerative potential, although the evidence is limited by predominantly preclinical data and a moderate-to-high risk of bias. Standardized outcome measures and well-designed prospective clinical studies are required to confirm long-term safety and efficacy.
Authors
- Kyung Hoon Sun (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5473-9781)
- Cheol Hee Choi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0400-8224)
- Minseong Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2612-922X)
- Chul Ho Jang
Institutions
- Chonnam National University (KR)
- Chosun University (KR)
- Veterans Health Service Medical Center (KR)
- Osong Medical Innovation Foundation (KR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Bioengineering
- Published
- 2026-03-05
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13030305
- Primary Topic
- Ear Surgery and Otitis Media
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00