Although using autogenous ossicles in reconstruction offers stable hearing results with good tendency for healing and minimal extrusion, their use in cholesteatomatous ears has been criticized for the possibility of progressive osteitis, bone resorption and cholesteatoma recurrence. In the present study we have been investigating a way which affords safe re-implantation of such ossicles. Treatment by burring followed by autoclaving seems to offer an implant that is safe both bacteriologically and pathologically. We have found no evidence that cholesteatoma could develop from such treated ossicles.