[Titanium implants in otorhinolaryngology].

It is possible to establish a direct contact between implant and bone tissue by using commercially pure titanium as implant material and a surgical technique minimizing tissue trauma. It is also possible to establish and maintain a reaction-free penetration of the skin in most patients. Implants have been used in our department since 1977 for craniofacial rehabilitation, and now 370 patients have been provided with implants for retention of bone-anchored hearing aids and for attachment of craniofacial prostheses. More than 500 implants have been placed in the mastoid process and more than 100 in the bone around the orbit. Only three of the implants in the mastoid were found not to be integrated, but the success rate for the orbital implants was not as good. All patients have been followed very carefully, and the skin around the implants has been checked regularly. About 90% of 3006 observations showed normal skin, and only 8 implants had to be removed for skin infection.