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Osseointegration Timing for Baha System Loading
Author(s) -
Wazen Jack J.,
Gupta Reena,
Ghossaini Soha,
Spitzer Jaclyn,
Farrugia Matthew,
Tjellstrom Anders
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/01.mlg.0000231281.76358.cc
Subject(s) - osseointegration , medicine , implant , dentistry , prosthesis , surgery , patient satisfaction , complication , retrospective cohort study
Abstract Objectives : The process of osseointegration for creating a biological bond between titanium oxide and bone is time dependent. However, different surgeons have used very varied time frames before loading the implant. The waiting time in dental implant loading ranged from immediate to 6 months. The Baha system (Cochlear Limited, Englewood, CO) traditional waiting period consisted of 3 months for adults and 4 to 6 months for children. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety of reducing the waiting time to 6 weeks in adults. Study Design : Retrospective study of patients who underwent Baha implantation and exteriorization between March, 2004 and July 2005. Methods : Twenty‐six adult patients underwent Baha titanium implantation and exteriorization in a single stage. They were loaded with the external processor after an average of 6.5 weeks. The etiology of their hearing loss (HL) included conductive HL, mixed HL, and unilateral sensorineural HL. Follow‐up period ranged between 6 and 20 months. Results : All patients were successfully implanted with the titanium implants, loaded at the 6 week interval, and have safely retained their prosthesis. The only reported complication was dermatitis, which occurred in three patients. Patients were pleased to receive the external processor earlier. Conclusion : The reduction of the waiting period from 3 months to 6 weeks did not result in any failure of osseointegration of the titanium implants. The earlier activation resulted in enhanced patient satisfaction. A larger series would be needed to definitively recommend shortening of the interval between Baha implantation and device loading.