USE OF A SURGICAL POSITIONER FOR BONE-ANCHORED FACIAL PROSTHESES

The use of osseointegrated implants to retain facial prostheses in cra niofacial rehabilitation is a reliable procedure. Proper location of t he implants is critical for fabrication of a prosthesis with ideal sha pe and contour. The use of a positioner at time of surgery can guide p lacement of the implants to achieve an optimum result. The positioner is also useful as a guide to the shape of the retentive element and as a quick method for obtaining a wax pattern for the prosthesis. This a rticle describes the fabrication and applications of a positioner.