Alternative techniques in reconstructive surgery: Bone-anchored extraoral implants for burn cases

Background The authors present their experience with the use of extraoral implants for reconstruction of the ear area after burns. The first step of the protocol includes positioning of implants in the mastoid process. The second step, after 3 to 4 months, is to realize the auricle prosthesis and apply it. Extraoral, bone-integrated implants offer low surgical risks and few postsurgical complications, leading to optimal aesthetic results, mainly in the ear area. Compared with traditional surgery techniques, the aesthetic results are better, with less surgery, possibly only two surgery sessions. Adhesive prostheses can be placed without the usual local irritation, and a more correct positioning can be obtained. Methods For this study, two female patients, treated from December 2001 to January 2005, were selected to receive auricle epitheses. In the authors' experience, 79% of case reporting describes the creation of this epithesis type. The patient age has a range of 26 years. The two study patients initially had the same diagnosis: burns of the auricle-temporal region. Results In all cases, a good aesthetic result was obtained. Conclusions The authors believe that bone-anchored implants for the treatment of auricle burns is a valid and brilliant technique that complements traditional reconstructive procedures. The advantages are the low incidence of long-term complications and the possibility of obtaining excellent aesthetic lasting results even for very complicated cases that would not have been solved in the past.