[Reliable diagnosis of implant rotation in high-resolution ultrasound depending on the implant manufacturer].

Rotation of an anatomical breast implant may require revisional surgery. High-resolution ultrasound can help determine the exact implant alignment. However, the directional markings of anatomical implants are implemented very inconsistently by manufacturers. Therefore, a definite diagnosis is often not possible without precise knowledge of the expected imaging. The aim of this work is a differentiation of the imaging of common implant brands in high-resolution ultrasound. Methods To simulate an authentic imaging, anatomical implants were viewed through abdominal skin thinned to 1.5-2 cm, which was obtained during a classic abdominoplasty. Implants from the companies Allergan, Eurosilicone, Mentor, Motiva, Nagor, Polytech and Sebbin were compared. The marking positions and dimensions were documented by ultrasound. Results Based on placement and shape, a clear allocation between alignment and manufacturer is basically possible among the implants used. The base plate and caudal markers could be clearly visualised for all brands. In Polytech implants, however, the visible structural change is limited to a very small central area. The visualisation of directional marks, base plate and implant shell also allow conclusions to be drawn about the manufacturer. In high-resolution ultrasound, a fast and reliable diagnosis of implant alignment is possible for all implants examined. Also it was possible to make a clear allocation between implant and manufacturer in this context. Flip over of the implant can also be reliably depicted. The cataloguing of the markings summarised here can be used to determine the exact alignment of the implant and thus provide diagnostic certainty, especially if the brand is unknown.