Abstract
Objectives:
Manufacturers have introduced cochlear implants (CIs) with removable magnets to allow for magnetic resonance imaging after placement. The purpose of this study was to describe magnet displacement as a new CI complication and to suggest apossible treatment option to prevent its recurrence.
Study Design:
Retrospective case series.
Methods:
The records of 3 young males who experienced CI magnet dislodgement were reviewed and compared against records from the institutional implant database.
Results:
Magnet displacement was observed only in young males (14% of male children) who received CI with removable magnets. This occurred 13-14 months after CI placement. Magnets were replaced under general anesthesia, and the scalp was bolstered with a dermal allograft. Recurrent magnet dislodgement was encountered in 1 patient, 6 months later.
Conclusions:
Magnet displacement may be a relatively common complication after minor head trauma in pediatric patients with certain CIs that have removable magnets.
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