title: A minimally invasive technique for the implantation of bone-anchored hearing devices.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe and evaluate a novel technique for the implantation of bone conduction hearing devices as compared with a common, conventional technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series with chart review.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary referral otology and neurotology practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Individuals who underwent the implantation of bone-anchored hearing devices between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2011, were identified. Demographic data, surgical indications, surgical technique used, surgical time, and complications were recorded. Soft tissue complications were graded on the Holgers classification scheme. Group 1 was defined as those undergoing a traditional technique using a dermatome with subcutaneous tissue reduction. Group 2 was defined as those undergoing the described technique for implantation of the coupling hardware with minimal subcutaneous soft tissue reduction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty patients underwent the procedure, with 11 patients comprising group 1 and 29 patients comprising group 2. Group 2 required a shorter operative time (32.3 vs 56.1 minutes, P < .0001). Of patients in group 1, 2 of 11 developed soft tissue complications, whereas 5 of 29 in group 2 developed soft tissue complications (P = 1.000). Most soft tissue complications were reversed with conservative wound care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgery was performed faster with similar postoperative outcomes in individuals undergoing implantation of bone-anchored hearing devices using the described technique that necessitated minimal soft tissue reduction.
authors.affiliation: Wilson Ear Clinic, Portland, Oregon 97209, USA.
authors.forename: David F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Harold H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001844:Bone Conduction; D003638:Deafness / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D063165:Neurotology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D053441:Suture Anchors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: BAHA; bone-anchored hearing aid; chronic otitis externa; chronic otitis media; hearing loss