Auricular prostheses and osseointegrated implants: UCLA experience

A clinical study of 40 craniofacial implants placed in 13 auricular defects was conducted over a 6-year period. Implant-retained prostheses were fabricated, the implant success rate was determined, and the soft tissue responses were recorded at regular intervals. All of the implants became osseointegrated and none demonstrated failure during the study period. A five-point scale was used to record the health of the peri-implant soft tissues and the patients were followed up for up to 69 months. The results were as follows: 55.1% of the visit/sites demonstrated an absence of inflammation; 32.3% of the visit/sites demonstrated slight redness; 4.7% demonstrated red and moist peri-implant tissues; 5.5% demonstrated granulation tissue associated with the implants; and in 2.4% of the implants, infection of the peri-implant soft tissues was noted. Good patient hygiene compliance combined with thin and immobile peri-implant soft tissues resulted in minimal soft tissue complications.