Biointegrated hydroxylapatite-coated implant fixation of facial prostheses

This pilot study reports the 2-year follow-up on hydroxylapatite-coated nonscrew titanium implants (Integral) used for fixation of auricular and orbital prostheses. Fifty-four implants have been inserted in a two-stage procedure for auricular reconstruction in 12 patients and orbital reconstruction in 2 patients. Clinically solid integration has occurred with 51 implants in 13 patients, three implants being lost in previously irradiated bone where soft tissue coverage was never adequate. Early soft tissue reaction occurred in those younger patients and where multiple previous surgery had occurred in the same area. Conservative local treatment produced resolution of this in all patients. Stable retention of cosmetically acceptable orbital prostheses was achieved with bar-clip assembly or magnet arrangements.