Clinical Outcome of the Simplified Surgical Technique for BAHA Implantation

Abstract

The modified Nijmegen surgical technique is a simple straightforward surgical procedure without the use of a pedicled skin flap. Surgery takes approximately 20 minutes. Meticulous performance of the procedure is considered important to achieve optimal results in the long-term. Particularly the soft tissue reduction has to be done with great care. In terms of the low rates of implant failure and adverse tissue reactions, the Nijmegen surgical technique proved to be a good alternative to other techniques.

Skin reactions following BAHA surgery using the skin flap dermatome technique

“…Holgers Grade 0 in 63.4% and Holgers Grade 2 or more in 29.3% of patients. When taking a look at the complication rates with the linear incision technique, a Holgers Grade 2 or more is seen in 26.7% of patients (vs. 29.3% in the present study) [15]. Recently, van de Berg et al [16] reported their clinical outcome using four different techniques in consecutive cohorts.…”

“…Two techniques are most commonly used nowadays: the skin flap dermatome technique [10,11] and the linear incision technique [13,15]. The common goal of each technique is to allow optimal osseointegration and create a thinned skin flap at the retroauricular region to minimize skin mobility around the abutment and thus minimizing infectious skin reactions.…”

Bone anchored hearing aids in children: An update

“…The linear incision technique was developed in the early 1990s with the aim of simplifying the surgical technique by removing the need for a skin flap and therefore avoiding the risk of flap necrosis [28]. Other reported advantages include minimal disturbance of the skin at the implant site and a reduction of surgery time to approximately 20 min in experienced hands.…”

Results of Baha® implantation using a small horizontal incision

“…An area of periosteum and subcutaneous tissue was removed in a circle approximately 4 cm in diameter surrounding the implant site. The skin was then closed around the abutment and covered with petroleum gauze and a protective cap [2,8,9].…”