Guided tissue generation in the temporal bone.

Ten patients with malformations of the temporal bones were submitted to installation of implants for anchorage of bone-anchored auricular epistheses or bone-anchored hearing aids. Due to lack of bone in the temporal region, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes were used to aid bone generation, each patient serving as his or her own control. It was found that bone formation around the flange fixtures covered with membranes increased significantly compared to the uncovered fixtures. It is concluded that the use of barrier membranes is one way to support bone generation in temporal bones lacking sufficient bone for implant-related surgery.