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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
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An Improved Mechanical Testing Method to Assess Bone-implant Anchorage
Published on: February 10, 2014
Histologic and morphologic evaluation of explanted bone anchors from bone-anchored hearing aids
Robert Mlynski1, Eva Goldberg, Joerg Ebmeyer
1Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany. robert.mlynski@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de
Summary
Bone-anchored hearing aids show excellent osseointegration, even with slight inflammation. Optimized implant design could further enhance bone and soft tissue integration for hearing rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Otolaryngology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) are crucial for hearing loss rehabilitation.
- Skin-penetrating anchors pose infection risks, impacting device function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology of explanted bone anchors and surrounding tissues.
- To compare integrated implants with lost implants to understand failure mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Explantation of five bone anchors from patients with varying reasons for removal.
- Histopathological examination using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Analysis of bone and soft tissue interaction with implant surfaces.
Main Results:
- Implants were clinically infection-free with a median stability of 12 months.
- Histopathology revealed vital bone with minimal inflammation; bone filled implant threads.
- SEM showed osteocyte processes attaching to the implant surface, a feature absent in lost implants.
Conclusions:
- Osseointegration and soft tissue integration are key to implant success.
- Titanium oxide surfaces facilitate integration, even in initially unstable implants.
- Improved implant design and surface modifications may enhance osseointegration for hearing aid anchors.
