Auricular Osseointegrated Implant Treatment: Basic Technique and Application of Computer Technology

• Main Authors: Hiromasa Kawana, Shin Usuda, Seiji Asoda, Tsuyoshi Kaneko, Kaoru Ogawa, Tomoki Itamiya, Kei Fuchigami, Koudai Nagata, Ryoji Kitami, Katsuhiko Kimoto, Michael Truppe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-07-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: epithesis; auricular epithesis; implant; osseointegrated implant; ear; navigation surgery
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/14/4922

An epithesis using osseointegrated implants as an anchorage has been proven and established as an effective means for maxillofacial rehabilitation. In this paper, we describe the basic techniques of auricular epithesis and the applications of computer technology to its execution, ranging from diagnosis to surgery, and superstructure fabrication to maintenance. The key steps of this treatment are conducting Computed Tomography (CT ) diagnosis before the operation to avoid implant penetration through the skull during the operation, embedding two implants into the section that represents the antihelix, and if possible, preserving or forming the tragus so that the edge of the epithesis is not close to the temporomandibular joint region to ensure mandibular movements are not restricted. We also discuss the applications of navigation surgery, which we are currently investigating, as well as the future prospect of augmented reality and mixed reality surgeries.