Directly bone-anchored implants for fixation of aural epistheses.
In cases of missing outer ears, generally, epistheses are attached to eye-glasses which gives insecure attachment and a fairly poor cosmetic result. A new method for stable episthesis attachment is being tested in Gothenburg, Sweden. Threaded, cylindrical titanium implants are inserted with a meticulous technique in the temporal bone of the patient. At the next stage, 3-4 months later, the implants are connected to abutments which are allowed to penetrate the skin. To these abutments a silicone episthesis is attached. Presently, 7 patients who had no outer ear because of congenital disorders, hereditary diseases or status post trauma or tumour surgery have been operated and followed for up to 3 1/2 years. There have been no problems reported with the bone anchorage or the skin penetration.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004426:Ear Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery*; D004431:Ear, External / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D014025:Titanium
D014025:Titanium