Two auricular epithesis surgical cases retained by a custom titanium implant: result at four years.

INTRODUCTION: This article aims at describing the four-year outcome of a surgical procedure implanting a patient specific epithesis system in two patients. TECHNICAL NOTE: After virtual 3D reconstruction of the anatomy and mirroring of the healthy ear, the position of the three Locator((R)) attachments were optimized in the software to embed them as accurately as possible in the planned episthesis antihelix. The personalized plate bearing the three Locator((R)) implants was then manufactured. Ten osteosynthesis screws were placed around the abutments to ensure bone anchorage. Post-operative antibiotic therapy was prescribed for the duration of ten days. The episthesis was placed two months post-operatively. The follow-up for each patient was 65 and 57 months respectively with no complications to report. CONCLUSION: 3D planning assists the surgeon and eliminates several constraints related to the placement of bone implants. It assists the surgical procedure and improves both the aesthetics and functional result of the surgery.