Introduction: This study reviews the feasibility of implanting active osseointegrated bone conduction devices in young children, below the prior age for FDA indication (<12 years), which has recently been reduced to 5 years. Outcomes included differences in adverse event rates and operative time between two groups (<12 and 12 years or older).
Materials and methods: This study is a retrospective review of children receiving active osseointegrated bone conduction devices at a tertiary referral center academic hospital. One hundred and twenty-four children received 135 active osseointegrated bone conduction devices (May 2018-March 2024).
Results: Of 135 devices, 77 (57%) were in children <12 years (mean age (SD) = 7.9 (2.0) years, range = 4.9-11.9 years) and 58 (43%) were in 12 years or older (mean age (SD) = 15.1 (1.7) years, range = 12-18 years). Adverse events were significantly higher in the older group, occurring in 8 (10%) of 77 devices in children <12 years and 15 (26%) of 58 devices in children 12 years and older (26%) (Fisher's exact test = 0.0217 at p < 0.05). Major adverse events occurred in 5/124 (4%) patients, with 2 in patients <12 years (2/73, 3%) and 3 in children 12 and older (3/51, 6%). The proportion of major events between groups was not significantly different (Fisher's exact test = 0.4, p < 0.05). Mean surgical time was significantly less (t = -2.8799, df = 120.26, p = 0.005) in the children <12 years (mean (SD) = 66.5 (22.4) min) compared to those 12 and over (mean (SD) = 78.32 (23.1) min).
Conclusions: Implantation of active osseointegrated bone conduction devices is feasible in children as young as 5 years and demonstrates low rates of complication. Further miniaturization may allow even earlier safe intervention.
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