Question
What is Osseointegration? What are some factors that may impact osseointegration?
Answer
Osseointegration is the structural integration or fixation of the implant's surface with the surrounding living bone. This is crucial for bone-anchored hearing implants to function optimally. Osseointegration is a complicated process. It involves a cascade of cellular events. It actually starts with bone healing. Bone healing is what initiates osseointegration, and is an important component. What is important to note is for osseointegration to occur optimally, we need a rich blood supply.
Better osseointegration results in better sound quality. This also means improved survival of the implant and that the implant will stay in place. We want to reduce adverse events, skin reactions, and reduce implant losses.
This Ask the Expert is an excerpt from Innovations in Bone Anchored Hearing Device Research.
