Abstract
PurposeNot long after the introduction of osseointegrated implants outside the oral cavity, auricular prostheses are retrained on osseointegrated implants. New insights have been gained with the next-generation percutaneous osseointegrated titanium implants for bone conduction hearing since its introduction in 2010. As a result, the same technology was introduced in the Vistafix® system (VXI implant) to retain auricular prostheses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the surgical procedure, clinical outcome, and satisfaction of the patient of osseointegration-retained auricular prosthesis using VXI implants.Materials and methods11 patients who received an auricular prosthesis using VXI implants between December 2012 and November 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. The patient’s medical files were reviewed to assess clinical complications and the necessity for revision surgery. The subjective outcome was measured using the Glasgow benefit inventory (GBI).ResultsIn total, 31 implants were placed in 11 patients. None of these implants were lost nor revision surgery needed. An adverse skin reaction was observed in 13.0% of the implants and in 27.2% of the patients, adequately treated with an antibiotic ointment. The average follow-up time was 2 years and 7 months. The GBI displayed a positive score in every patient.ConclusionsThe VXI implants used are a safe and reliable treatment option for retaining auricular prostheses in patients with an absent auricle. Patients were satisfied with their auricular prosthesis and showed benefit in quality of life. Studies with larger numbers and preferably a prospective character are needed to draw statistically significant conclusions.
Highlights
Results are presented at European Academy of Otology and Neuro- Otology, 21 June 2018, Copenhagen, Denmark.Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Center for Neurosciences, Radboud University Medical Center, PO‐box 9101, Philips van Leydenlaan 15, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The NetherlandsDepartment of Maxillo‐Facial Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The NetherlandsDepartment of Dentistry, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips van Leydenlaan 25, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The NetherlandsDifferent causes of an absent auricle exist and can mainly be divided into congenital and acquired
Four patients had a history of previous auricular reconstruction surgery with autologous rib cartilage in a different center, and three patients had received radiotherapy treatment involving implant site
This study describes the work-up of patients with a missing auricle opting for implant-retained prostheses
Summary
Different causes of an absent auricle exist and can mainly be divided into congenital and acquired. The (partially) absent auricle, i.e. microtia can arise as a result of a single, unique genetic feature or as a part of a syndrome and can be classified into several types with or without atresia of the external auditory meatus [1, 2]. Acquired forms of an absent auricle arise from traumatic events, dissatisfying reconstruction or after amputation as a result of surgical treatment of advanced cancer of the auricle and/or external auditory meatus [3, 4]. Since complete care of the auricle is advocated, hearing revalidation requires attention in patients with a congenital absent auricle. It has been demonstrated that unilateral hearing loss in children might be associated with delayed
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