Five-year experience with skin-penetrating bone-anchored implants in the temporal bone

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Surgical Innovation
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Stable integration of titanium implants in bone is crucial for medical applications.
• Percutaneous passages are often required for prosthetic devices and treatments.
• Existing methods may face challenges with long-term stability and tissue integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel method for stable integration of titanium implants in bone tissue.
• To evaluate the feasibility of creating reaction-free percutaneous passages through integrated implants.
• To assess the clinical applicability of this technique in patients with specific medical needs.

Main Methods:

• Development of a screw-shaped titanium implant.
• Utilization of a delicate surgical technique for implant insertion into the temporal bone.
• A staged surgical approach allowing for implant healing before percutaneous passage establishment.
• Clinical follow-up for up to 5 years.

Main Results:

• Successful stable integration of titanium implants in the temporal bone.
• Establishment of reaction-free percutaneous passages post-implant healing.
• Demonstrated long-term stability and functionality over a 5-year follow-up period.
• Positive outcomes in patients undergoing treatment for hearing disorders and post-tumour facial reconstruction.

Conclusions:

• The developed surgical method ensures stable titanium implant integration in bone.
• This technique enables the creation of reliable, reaction-free percutaneous passages.
• The method holds significant potential for improving patient outcomes in otology and reconstructive surgery.