Anatomical results with titanium implants in the mastoid region

We report our experience with titanium implants for extra-aural rehabilitation in the mastoid region with a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) and auricular prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical status of the soft tissue adjacent to 63 skin-penetrating devices in 43 patients and to compare our findings with those of other reports. Forty-four fixtures have been implanted in 36 patients for the BAHA and 19 in seven patients for the auricular prostheses. The evaluation concerns osseointegration, pain in the mastoid area, skin reaction around the abutment and removal of the abutment. Three implants extruded; one due to trauma and two with no explanation. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 60 months after surgical implantation. The first outpatient check-up was performed at three months after implantation and then every six months. The soft tissue reaction around the percutaneous unit was classified at each control according to the classification proposed by Holgers et al. There was no irritation (type 0) in 87.5% of the controls for the BAHA group and in 87.2% for the group of auricular prostheses. No adverse skin reactions were noted in 61.36% of the BAHA group and in 66.66% of the auricular prosthesis group. Results of this study confirm the skin's ability to tolerate a skin-penetrating unit made of pure titanium. The importance of reducing the thickness of the skin around the implant and of local hygienic conditions is emphasized.