title: Closed-field titanium magnets for the retention of complex craniofacial prostheses.
abstract: Where reconstruction with autogenous tissue is contraindicated in craniofacial reconstruction, or declined by the patient, a prosthesis may be used. Originally made from latex, cellulose or acrylic resins, prostheses are now largely made of silicone. These prostheses were traditionally retained using adhesives, natural undercuts at retention sites or spectacles. However, these methods were unsatisfactory because of frequent loss of retention, skin reactions to adhesives or unnatural movements of the prosthesis. Osseointegration became a popular method of prosthesis retention, initially using a bar-and-clip device. The use of a bar attached to the implant has certain shortcomings, however, including rigidity of the prosthesis and the difficulty in maintaining hygiene at the implant site. We present our experience with the use of magnets to hold the prosthesis in place, which allows ease of use, improved hygiene and a more natural mobility of the prosthesis.
authors.affiliation: Mersey Regional Plastic Surgery and Burns Centre, Whiston Hospital, Prescot, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alvi
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McPhail
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hancock
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D004431:Ear, External; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009666:Nose; D016348:Osseointegration; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting / Q000379:methods; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D014025:Titanium