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Simplified bone-anchored hearing aid insertion using a linear incision without soft tissue reduction

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 May 2013

J Husseman
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
J Szudek*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
P Monksfield
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
D Power
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
S O'Leary
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia The HEARing Cooperative Research Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
R Briggs*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia The HEARing Cooperative Research Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
*
Address for correspondence: Dr J Szudek and Dr Robert Briggs, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, 32 Gisborne St, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia3002 E-mails: jszudek@gmail.com; rjsb@unimelb.edu.au
Address for correspondence: Dr J Szudek and Dr Robert Briggs, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, 32 Gisborne St, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia3002 E-mails: jszudek@gmail.com; rjsb@unimelb.edu.au

Abstract

Background:

Numerous techniques have been described to manage the skin and other soft tissues during bone-anchored hearing aid insertion. Previously, generally accepted techniques have sometimes led to distressing alopecia and soft tissue defects. Now, some surgeons are rejecting the originally described split skin flap in favour of a less invasive approach.

Objective:

To investigate bone-anchored hearing aid placement utilising a single, linear incision with either no or minimal underlying soft tissue reduction.

Patients and methods:

Thirty-four adults were prospectively enrolled to undergo single-stage bone-anchored hearing aid placement with this modified technique. A small, linear incision was used at the standard position and carried down through the periosteum. Standard technique was then followed with placement of an extended length abutment. Patients were reviewed regularly to assess wound healing, including evaluation with Holgers' scale.

Results:

Only 14.7 per cent of patients had a reaction score of 2 or higher. Most complications were limited to minor skin reactions that settled with silver nitrate cautery and/or antibiotics. None required revision surgery for tissue overgrowth, and there were no implant failures.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest this to be a simple and effective insertion technique with favourable cosmesis and patient satisfaction.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2013 

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