BIA400 versus Ponto Wide: a long-term retrospective analysis of implant stability, tolerability and survival in bone conduction devices

Abstract Objective The purpose of this single-centre retrospective study was to determine the long-term outcomes of the BIA400 and Ponto Wide, in terms of implant stability, soft tissue reactions, skin thickening and implant loss. Methods Adults who had the BIA400 or Ponto Wide implanted between January 2013 and December 2023 and had at least two follow-up appointments were included, leading to a cohort of 93 BIA400 and 114 Ponto Wide implants. Results Significantly more soft tissue reactions with a Holgers Scale score of 1 or greater ( p = 0.003), adverse soft tissue reactions of Holgers Scale score of 2 or greater ( p = 0.018), skin thickening ( p < 0.001) and skin thickening requiring treatment ( p ≤ 0.001) occurred in the BIA400 group. No difference in implant stability was found. One BIA400 implant (1.1 per cent) and three Ponto Wide implants (2.7 per cent) were lost. Conclusion Both implants have excellent implant stability and similar implant survival rates. The Ponto Wide has favourable outcomes in terms of (adverse) soft tissue reaction and skin thickening (requiring treatment).