Abstract
Objective: 1) To report on the results and complications arising from using a minimal tissue removal procedure for the placement of an osseointegrated hearing implant. 2) To understand the advantages and disadvantages for this technique compared to the more standard techniques.
Method: Retrospective study in tertiary academic center of all patients undergoing minimally invasive single-stage osseointegrated implant surgery (BAHA®) from 2008-2010. Technique: A small incision (1.5 cm) with little to no soft tissue (fat only) removal with good skin to periosteum fixation after placement of a 4 mm screw and 8.5 mm abutment.
Results: Thirty-three patients were assessed (aged 16-86, range of follow-up 18-45 months). No patients experienced hair loss, significant numbness, cosmetic defects, intraoperative complications, or audiologic complications. Seven patients required some combination of bactroban, steroid ointment, and/or oral antibiotic for mild erythema around the abutment in the first 2 months postop. Two patients required conservative management for delayed skin reactions (3.5 months and 2.5 years). Five of these 6 patients had 1 more episode requiring similar treatment. All reactions resolved in approximately 2-4 weeks. Two additional patients required minor surgical soft tissue revision.
Conclusion: We have demonstrated comparable outcomes to other surgical techniques with less cosmetic and other associated complaints. This study indicates that a less invasive approach for the surgical implantation of the osseointegrated auditory implant may have merit.
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