[Auricular alloplastic reconstruction with osteointegrated implants: a new therapy option in microtia]

Microtia has been treated over the years with autogenous tissues, although the results continue to improve, it is technically a very demanding procedure, even in the hands of a well trained surgeon. Osseointegrated implant-supported ear prosthesis, is less demanding, more straightforward, and offers a better cosmetic result. Since 1996 we have treated 8 patients with microtia types III and IV, with titanium osseointegrated implant-supported ear prosthesis in the bone of the mastoid process. The surgical procedure consists in two stages. First stage: when the three titanium screws are drill in the mastoid process of the temporal bone, with a previous CT scan of the area, that is used to measured the bone thickness. Second stage is done 3 to 6 months later. Ear remnants are removed at the beginning of the procedure, three titanium couplings are then secured to the integrated fixtures, a plastic cap is attached to each of the abutments, until healing takes place; three to four weeks later the auricular prosthesis made out of silicone over a metallic structure, will we plug in the titanium screws. Cosmetic results and patients acceptability have been good in all 8 cases, with few postoperative complications. This procedure has become and option for the patients with ear malformations.