Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate a new wide bone-anchored hearing implant considering initial stability, stability over time, implant loss, and skin reaction. STUDY DESIGN: Consecutive, prospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Twenty adult patients were enrolled. All operations were 1-stage, single-incision technique with subcutaneous reduction. INTERVENTION(S): Measurement of implant stability. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were recorded using resonance frequency analysis at the time of implantation and at 10 days, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Skin and soft tissue reactions according to Holgers grading system. RESULTS: Implant stability quotient measurements revealed a significant increase in ISQ during the first 10 days after operation, and the ISQ values continued to rise throughout the 1-year observation period. No implants were lost. Skin and soft tissue reactions were rare and minor, as no reaction was seen in 93% of the follow-up examinations and no grade 4 reactions occurred. CONCLUSION: The new wide implant showed good stability at surgery. Osseointegration was fast, and implant stability increased throughout the 1-year observation period. No implants were lost. Skin and soft tissue reactions were rare and minor.