Survival of the 8.5 mm osseointegrated abutment, and its utility in the obese patient

Abstract

The 8.5 mm abutment may be useful in patients with copious subcutaneous soft tissue as in the obese population. The 8.5 mm abutment has a calculated mechanical disadvantage, potentially putting the implant under greater mechanical stress; however, the clinical relevance of this is unclear.

Human tissue, human tubes and metal screws

“…In addition to preventative efforts aimed at tackling this problem, the treatment of many conditions must be modified in obese patients. Darley and Mikulec 4 investigate modification of the application of bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) technology in obese patients by the use of a longer, 8.5 mm osseointegrated abutment. They conclude that although the longer abutment has potential for use in patients with thick subcutaneous soft tissue, it does act at a calculated mechanical disadvantage putting the implant under greater stress.…”