G Soo, MCF Tong, J Mak, VJ Abdullah, CA van Hasselt

Abstract

Osseointegration is the described phenomenon of bonding between bone and certain metals, in particular, titanium. The "inert" bond is of significant strength and longevity and has been clinically applied in the different clinical disciplines for their varied applications. This article explores the extraoral applications of osseointegration in the anchorage of hearing aids and cosmetic prostheses. It covers the basic concepts, the indications for surgery and outlines the alternative options available and their advantages and disadvantages. In addition with regards to children, it outlines the contemporary approach, issues and controversies applicable to the paediatric population.

骨與某些金屬，特別是鈦，相互接合的過程，被稱之為骨整合。骨整合具有持久和牢固的特點，在臨床上已獲廣泛應用。本文闡述了口外骨整合在助聽器和人工假體固定上的應用。並涵蓋了它的基本概念，外科適應症和簡述了其他可選用的方法，以及其優點和缺點。在這基礎上，本文進一步探討了此技術在兒科領域的引入，可能面對的問題和應用上的爭議。