Harnessing the osseointegration principle for anchorage of fingernail prostheses.

Abstract

On the basis of this preliminary report series of patients, it seems that the achievement of fixed anchorage for nail prostheses is feasible using the process of osseointegration, the use of standard dental implants, and abutment and maxillofacial rehabilitation laboratory to build the superstructure system. The osseointegrated procedure is relatively simple, cost-effective, and less time-consuming compared with other reconstruction techniques. Using local anesthesia and day-care facilities the operative time was only 35 minutes for the first stage and 15 minutes for the second stage. The attachment should be lifelong, as in the face. Loosening and infection are infrequent.