A research team published three patient case studies that used dental implants for osseointegration (OI) surgery to anchor prostheses following traumatic finger amputations. The patients had a disarticulation at the proximal interphalangeal joint of the right ring finger; amputation of the right index finger at the level of the middle phalanx; and amputation of the right middle finger at the level of the head of the middle phalanx.
Each patient underwent preoperative radiographic evaluation to assess the quantity and quality of the residual bone and to determine the appropriate implant length and diameter. The two-stage OI procedure consisted of the initial implant placement followed by attachment of healing abutments and subsequent prosthetic fitting. All patients achieved favorable functional outcomes, with good prosthetic stability and cosmetic results, the authors said.
The authors recommended use of a longer, custom-made implant because the standard dental implant increased the risk of loosening and periprosthetic fracture, as the long-retained prosthesis places significant mechanical load on the short implant stem.
The researchers concluded that OI represented a viable alternative for digital amputees when reconstructive procedures are contraindicated, providing reliable retention, enhanced functionality, and a natural appearance.
The open-access study, “Functional and aesthetic restoration of amputated fingers using osseointegrated dental implants: Case presentations,” was published in Cureus.
