The use of bone-anchored implants for absent ear.

The sample of patients analyzed has been selected from 66 cases treated for extraoral bone-anchored implantology at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of the "Tor Vergata" University of Rome. Optimal results can be obtained in the ear district because of the low surgical risks and few postsurgical complications. Advantages offered by extraoral bone integrated implants are obvious when compared with more traditional techniques: it is possible to obtain a better cosmetic result only from 2 surgical sessions; and adhesive prosthesis may be better placed without the usual local irritation, achieving a correct positioning. The authors present their experiences in using extraoral implants for the reconstruction of the ear area malformation.