Osseointegration timing for Baha system loading.
OBJECTIVE
The process of osseointegration for creating a biological bond between titanium oxide and bone is time dependent. However, different surgeons have used very varied time frames before loading the implant. The waiting time in dental implant loading ranged from immediate to 6 months. The Baha system (Cochlear Limited, Englewood, CO) traditional waiting period consisted of 3 months for adults and 4 to 6 months for children. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety of reducing the waiting time to 6 weeks in adults.


METHODS
Retrospective study of patients who underwent Baha implantation and exteriorization between March, 2004 and July 2005.


METHODS
Twenty-six adult patients underwent Baha titanium implantation and exteriorization in a single stage. They were loaded with the external processor after an average of 6.5 weeks. The etiology of their hearing loss (HL) included conductive HL, mixed HL, and unilateral sensorineural HL. Follow-up period ranged between 6 and 20 months.


RESULTS
All patients were successfully implanted with the titanium implants, loaded at the 6 week interval, and have safely retained their prosthesis. The only reported complication was dermatitis, which occurred in three patients. Patients were pleased to receive the external processor earlier.


CONCLUSIONS
The reduction of the waiting period from 3 months to 6 weeks did not result in any failure of osseointegration of the titanium implants. The earlier activation resulted in enhanced patient satisfaction. A larger series would be needed to definitively recommend shortening of the interval between Baha implantation and device loading.
Wazen
Jack J
JJ
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.
Gupta
Reena
R
Ghossaini
Soha
S
Spitzer
Jaclyn
J
Farrugia
Matthew
M
Tjellstrom
Anders
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001844:Bone Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006314:Hearing Loss, Conductive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014025:Titanium; D016896:Treatment Outcome
C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium