Epithetic replacement in otorhinolaryngology

The past century saw rapid development of craniofacial prostheses. Particularly the challenging issue of surgical fixation was the subject of intensive research and development. During the past three decades, the principle of osseointegration has proven to provide a reliable method for epithesis fixation. The continuous technical development of implant systems has led to almost minimally invasive surgical techniques, with ever increasing stability of the implants. Osseointegrated implants are a proven and durable solution in the rehabilitation of the patient with a defect in the craniofacial region. Overall complication rates are low. The design and mechanics of the implants, as well as the artificial body of the epithesis itself, are topics of current medical-technical research by anaplastologists and surgeons. Finally, functional prostheses, such as the tracheostomy epithesis, deserve particular attention.