Evaluation of receiver-stimulator migration in cochlear implantation using the subperiosteal pocket technique: a prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate migration of the receiver-stimulator after cochlear implantation using the subperiosteal pocket technique.

METHODS

A prospective clinical study was performed of 32 paediatric patients (aged between 12 months and 8 years; mean ± standard deviation, 28 ± 19 months) who underwent cochlear implantation in tertiary referral centres. The degree of migration was evaluated using measurements between the receiver-stimulator and selected reference points: the lateral canthus, tragus and mastoid tip. All distances were measured during and six months after surgery.

RESULTS

No receiver-stimulator migration was observed when using the subperiosteal pocket technique.

CONCLUSION

Concerns about implant migration in the subperiosteal pocket technique are unwarranted: this is a safe technique to use for cochlear implantation.