Int. Adv. Otol. 2009; 6(1); 89-93

Use of platelet gel for skin defects after BAHA implantation
Maurizio Barbara, Claudio Macrì, Carmelo Murè, Luigi Volpini, Marco Cavallini, Antonio Pavan.
University Sapienza, II Medical School, Rome, Italy: Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Rome, Italy.  maurizio.barbara@uniroma1.it

Objective: To test the use of autologous platelet gel for repairing skin defects following BAHA surgery.
Background: Application of autologous platelet gel was shown to be successful for treating skin defects in diabetic patients as
well as in orthopedic surgery.

Materials and Methods: Two of a cohort of 33 patients, who have undergone BAHA placement by using different skin
incisions, presented with a skin defect around the titanium abutment. Autologous platelet gel was prepared as a complex
concentrate at the ImmunoHematologic Laboratory of the same University Hospital. The procedure included blood withdrawal
from the same patient, to which thrombin, Ca-gluconate 10% and ethanol 96% were added. The protocol consisted in 1
application per week, for six weeks, to be eventually repeated in case of unsatisfactory results.

Main Outcome Measures: Objective photo-documentation was carried out during the protocol period.

Results: In both cases, complete resolution of the skin defects was achieved after the first cycle of application.

Conclusion: Although success in BAHA implantation resides on an appropriate osteointegration process, other issues may
arise which could jeopardize the final outcome and/or postpone the device activation, such as skin health conditions around
the abutment. The use of autologous platelet gel has shown to produce a definitive healing of the defect area, and it allowed
avoiding delayed activation or explantation.