Calvarial graft resorption index in the reconstruction of the maxillary sinus in patients with atrophic maxillas: a prospective clinical study

The objective of this study was to assess the resorption index of particulate calvarial grafts in maxillary sinuses of patients undergoing total reconstruction of an atrophic maxilla with residual alveolar bone that was less than, or equal to, 3mm thick. Twenty-one maxillary sinus floor elevations were carried out using particulate calvarial grafts in 11 individuals with totally edentulous maxillas. All patients had computed tomography (CT) before (T0), and 48hours (T1) and six months after surgery (T2). For each CT scan, linear measurements were taken of sections of the anterior, medial, and posterior regions of the maxillary sinus. There was a significant increase in the height of the maxillary sinus floor when T0 was compared with T1 (p=0.001). There was a statistically significant reduction in all maxillary sinus measurements when T1 was compared with T2; the mean height reduction being 2.36mm (16.87%) in the anterior region, 3.53mm (22.47%) in the medial region, and 2.21mm (22.78%) in the posterior region (p=0.001). Mean resorption was 20.7%. Autogenous calvarial bone used alone is an option for graft material in pneumatised maxillary sinuses and in cases where there is limited alveolar bone.

Retreatment of multiple failing maxillary implants after full arch rehabilitation: a retrospective, observational cohort study

The aim of this study was to assess implant retreatment in a group of patients whose maxillary implants were all failing after full arch rehabilitation. Treatment involved implant removal, augmentation, and placement of an overdenture supported by four to six implants. All consecutive patients referred between 2008 and 2018, following multiple late implant failures in the rehabilitated maxilla, were included in the study. Seventy implants in 15 patients were evaluated at 3.3 ± 2.5 years (range 1.1-8.6 years) after loading. Implant survival, complications, clinical parameters, marginal bone loss, and patient-related outcome measures were recorded at the time of evaluation. Overall implant survival was 95.7%. Three implant failures occurred within the first year of function. Marginal bone loss was 0.32 ± 0.46 mm; pocket probing depth was 4.55 ± 1.59 mm. Plaque, calculus, inflammation, and bleeding were hardly seen (median index score 0). Patients scored their satisfaction with their overdentures as high (mean overall score 8.7 ± 1.2, maximum 10). Chewing soft and tough food was scored as 'good' and hard food as 'moderate'. The mean Oral Health Impact Profile score was 29.5 ± 33.3. It can be concluded that the replacement of multiple failing implants in an edentulous maxilla after bone augmentation is a safe and predictable treatment procedure when applied as an implant-supported overdenture.

Material properties of the skull layers of the primate parietal bone: A single-subject study

The outer cortical table of the parietal bone has been commonly used as a calvarial bone graft site for the craniofacial reconstruction. However, little is known about how removing the outer table may affect the function and structure of the inner table, and how the knowledge of the biomechanics and material properties of cortical bones will help the calvarial graft to better integrate into the biological and mechanical functions of its surrounding native tissues. In this study, it was hypothesized that there were significant differences in both density and material properties between inner and outer cortical plates in cranial bones. Twelve cylindrical specimens, including inner-outer layers, of cortical parietal bone of a female baboon were collected. Cortical thicknesses and densities were measured, and elastic properties were assessed using an ultrasonic technique. Results demonstrated remarkable difference in both thickness (t = 8.248, p ≤0.05) and density (t = 4.926, p≤0.05) between inner and outer cortical paired samples. Orthotropic characteristics of the cortical plates were detected as well, these findings suggest that there are differences in biomechanical properties between two surfaces of cranial bones at both tissue and organ levels. How these differences are linked to the stress environments of the inner and outer cranial cortical layers awaits further studies. Further study will greatly enhance our ability to address questions derived from both morphological and craniofacial medicine fields about the development and biomechanics of craniofacial skeletons.

Remodeling of calvarial graft in increased atrophic maxillary thickness. A prospective clinical study

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the autogenous graft resorption rate in a calvarial block graft in the anterior region of an atrophic maxilla and compared it with the thickness of the remaining ridge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve patients were included in the study. They were submitted to cranial calotte graft surgery, and there were 40 blocks in total. The thicknesses of the ridges in the crest, middle and apical regions of the blocks were evaluated by computed tomography scan at the times: preoperative (T0), 48 hours (T1) and 6 months (T2) after the reconstructions.

RESULTS

The resorption of the blocks from T1 to T2 was 13.4%. The greatest remodeling occurred in the alveolar bone crest (20.07%), followed by the middle portion (12.28%), and the apical region (9.5%), but the three regions did not significantly differ between times T1 and T2 (crest P = .07, middle P = .124, apical P = .131). Recipient site with the lowest thickness had the greatest resorption rates (up to 2 mm = 17.6%; from 2 to 4 mm = 17.52%) while than those with a thickness greater than 4 mm had a mean resorption of 8.81%.

CONCLUSIONS

The resorption of the grafts in this study was 13.4%. Higher resorption rates were observed in the alveolar crest areas, where the ridges were less thick.

Computer-guided calvarial mono-cortical bone blocks harvest: A novel approach for three-dimensional alveolar reconstruction of atrophic maxilla

BACKGROUND

Calvarial bone grafts have been one of the grafting options that provides predictable results for three-dimensional reconstruction of severely atrophied ridges owing to their low resorption and rapid revascularization, thus providing adequate volume for implant insertion. The aim of this study was to introduce a computer-guided technique for calvarial graft harvest to minimize the complications known with grafting from this donor site.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight patients, suffering from severely atrophied, completely edentulous maxillary ridges, with an age range (21-30 years) were operated on (six males and two females). A custom-made guide for each patient based on preoperative computed tomography (CT) was fabricated for harvesting the outer table cortical bone blocks from the parietal bone, then particulate bone was collected with an auto-chip maker. Bilateral sinus lifting was indicated in all cases. The bone blocks were fixed intraorally and the bone particulates filled the gaps and the volume created by sinus lifting, then the whole complex was covered with collagen membranes fixed with titanium tacks. Immediate and 6 months CT were requested for evaluation of the guide accuracy and the graft integration, respectively.

RESULTS

In all cases, the guide was found to accurately fit into its preplanned position and to correctly locate the anticipated harvest site with the needed dimensions of the bone blocks. No intraoperative complications were encountered such as breakage through the inner table or cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Postoperatively, all the cases showed uneventual healing except one case that had an anterior dehiscence.

CONCLUSION

The computer-guided calvarial bone blocks harvest from the parietal bone is safe and predictable technique for three-dimensional reconstruction of severely atrophic edentulous maxilla.

Survey of In Situ Splitting Rib Harvesting Surgery for Orbital Deformity: Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Our previous study indicated that in situ splitting rib harvesting surgery clinically reduced in related complications compared with the traditional surgical approach in the early stage, but there are few studies pay close attention to long-term recovery of donor area after rib harvesting. In this study, the authors conducted a follow-up study on recovery condition of donor and graft site of patients after in situ rib splitting grafting or simple whole rib grafting surgery.

METHODS

Between 2013 and 2016, 8 Chinese patients with orbital deformity were corrected using autogenous rib, of which 3 patients received conventional rib harvesting surgery, 3 patients received in situ splitting harvesting surgery, and 2 patients underwent both. In all patients, 3-dimensional computed tomography study of donor site and graft site were performed before and after operation. The ribs of donor site and graft site volume measurement were assessed using computed tomography 7 days and 12 months postoperation.

RESULTS

After 12 months operation, the integrity of rib arch recovered 94.1 ± 2.2% after in situ splitting rib harvesting, compared with 41.4 ± 5.0% after whole rib harvesting. The volume of grafted rib in situ splitting rib harvesting group reduced 69.8 ± 10.0% after 12 months operation compared with the volume after 1 week operation, and the reduced volume of ribs in whole rib harvesting group was 73.62 ± 9.5%.

CONCLUSION

Rib regeneration occurred more quickly by in situ rib splitting harvesting approach compared with the traditional surgical approach.

Systemic administration of strontium ranelate to enhance the osseointegration of implants: systematic review of animal studies

The literature states that Strontium (Sr) is able to simultaneously stimulate bone formation and suppress bone resorption. Recent animal studies suggest that the systemic administration of Sr, in the form of strontium ranelate (SRAN), would enhance the osseointegration of implants. The purpose of the present study was to undertake a systematic review on animal studies evaluating the systemic administration of Sr to enhance the osseointegration of titanium implants and the remodeling of bone grafts. The MEDLINE (PubMed) and Scopus bibliographic databases were searched from 1950 to October 2017 for reports on the use of systemic and non-radioactive Sr to enhance the osseointegration of titanium implants and the remodeling of bone grafts in animals. The search strategy was restricted to English language publications using the combined terms: "strontium" and "implant or graft or biomaterial or bone substitute". Five studies were included, all related to the systemic administration of Sr in the form SRAN, and its effects on osseointegration of titanium implants. No studies on the use of SRAN-based therapy to enhance the remodeling of bone grafts were found. The studies differed notably with respect to the study population (healthy female rats, healthy male rats, and female rats with induced osteoporosis) and SRAN dose (ranging from 500 to 1000 mg/kg/day). Results were diverse, but a tendency suggesting positive influence of systemic SRAN administration on the osseointegration of titanium implants was observed. No major side-effects due to strontium administration were reported. Systemic Sr administration, in the form of SRAN, seems to enhance peri-implant bone quality and implant osseointegration in animals, however, at a moderate extent. Further studies, evaluating both the effects of this drug on implant osseointegration and the risk/benefit of its use, are needed to provide a rationale of this therapeutic approach.

Sinus Floor Augmentation With Ambient Blood and an Absorbable Collagen Sponge: A Prospective Pilot Clinical Study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to clinically, radiologically, and histologically evaluate a sinus augmentation technique using a resorbable collagen sponge to maintain space between the Schneiderian membrane and the residual crestal bone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with partially edentulous maxillae were clinically and radiographically evaluated for implant placement. A total of 10 consecutive patients with the bone height for implant placement (<4.0 mm) were enrolled in the study. The lateral maxillary wall was surgically exposed and the Schneiderian membrane was carefully elevated. A collagen wound dressing was placed in the antral area between the sinus floor and the raised membrane. The vertical sinus floor height was calculated using cone-beam computed tomography before the surgical procedure (baseline) and at 6 months postoperative. Immediately after the second scan, a core biopsy was removed for histological evaluation. The biopsy site was then further prepared for implant placement in the same location.

RESULTS

Biopsies showed mature cancellous bone with a predominantly lamellar structure. Well-vascularized intertrabecular spaces were filled with connective tissue and bone marrow. Analysis of bone height changes showed significant mean (SD) differences before and after procedures in anterior (2.67 ± 0.62 mm and 11.15 ± 1.1 mm), medial (2.98 ± 0.55 mm and 10.96 ± 0.77 mm), and posterior (3.17 ± 0.91 mm and 10.63 ± 0.51 mm) maxillary jaw locations (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The collagen sponge provided an effective substrate for osseous regeneration of the sinus floor.

Radiographic analysis of dental implant extensions using bone grafts on dogs

BACKGROUND

Despite the wide use of dental implants they can bring inconveniences, as the moment one reaches osseointegration, these can no longer be extended. Therefore, if a problem occurs regarding its positioning, the options open are substitution or burial of the implant. With implant substitution, there exists the risk of local bone loss and/or future loss of the new implant.

PURPOSE

This study proposes a new device (implant extender) for extending the dental implant. The feasibility of this technique is verified through installing dental implant extensions onto the humerus bone of dogs with autogenous bone grafts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Implants of 3.3 mm in diameter by 6 mm in length and implant extensions with a 3.3 mm diameter and 2.2 mm length were installed onto humerus of 4 healthy dogs, using an autogenous bone graft in a block made from ilium. The biomechanical percussion tests were performed on the implant extensions and then the implant-extension sets were removed for radiographic analysis.

RESULTS

In the biomechanical percussion, none of the extensions present clinical mobility. As for the x-rays, these were analyzed by 20 professionals, who concluded that there was a 100% success rate with bone formation around the implants, 74.1% for bone neoformation of the implant extensions, and 80.1% referring to the adaptation of the implant extension.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Bone formation occurred in every installed dental implant. In most cases, there occurred bone neoformation of the extensions and adaptation of the extension/implant set, according to the x-ray analysis performed by the evaluators. An absence of clinical mobility in the extensions was also observed. Although the results were promising, these techniques still need to be researched in humans, as an alternative for reducing elongated prosthetic crowns or poorly installed implants, as well as the modification of the type of implants among other applications.

Reconstruction of mandibular defects with autogenous bone and decellularized bovine bone grafts with freeze-dried bone marrow stem cell paracrine factors

The gold standard following segmental mandibulectomy is vascularized autologous bone graft in the form of the fibula flap. However, in bone reconstruction the use of autogenous bone does not always guarantee a successful outcome. The aim of the present investigation was to develop a novel biologically active bone (BAB) graft, and to use it for the reconstruction of large size defects of the mandible bone following tumor resection. In the first part of the present study, biologically active bone graft was developed by using human freeze-dried bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) paracrine factors and three-dimensional bone scaffold derived from cancellous bovine bone following decellularization. In the second part of the research, one male and three female patients with primary tumors of the mandible underwent hemimandibulectomy. The mandibular bone defects following tumor resection were reconstructed with autogenous rib grafts in three patients and BAB graft was used in one patient. The graft-host interfaces were covered with decellularized human amnion/chorion membrane graft. All patients were followed-up every five months following the reconstruction of the mandible, with no complications observed. Preliminary clinical investigations demonstrated that a BAB graft containing freeze-dried BMSC paracrine factors may be used for the reconstruction of large mandibular bone defects following tumor resection.

Clinical efficacy of grafting materials in alveolar ridge augmentation: A systematic review

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of grafting materials in lateral and vertical ridge augmentations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the literature on the clinical use of grafting materials of the years 1995 to April 2015 was conducted using electronic search of PubMed and Cochrane libraries and hand search of eight print journals. A total of 184 papers were included, comprising 6182 patients. Parameters evaluated were observation period [months], bone formation [histologic area%], defect fill [%], horizontal and vertical gain [mm], loss of augmented volume [mm], complication rate [%], and implant survival rate [%]. Results are expressed as weighted means ± SD.

RESULTS

Results were obtained after a weighted mean observation period of 27.4 months (range 3-168 months). Bone formation in the augmented areas varied from 33.2 ± 14.9% for allogeneic grafts to 56.0 ± 25.6% for mixtures of autogenous and other grafting materials. Defect fill in dehiscence defects ranged from 51.0 ± 13.6% (synthetic) to 85.8 ± 13.4% (xenogeneic) for the different materials, with an overall weighted mean of 79.8 ± 18.7%. Weighted mean horizontal gain for all particulate grafting materials was 3.7 ± 1.2 mm, with variation between 2.2 ± 1.2 mm (synthetic) and 4.5 ± 1.0 mm (mixtures of autogenous bone with allogeneic/xenogeneic grafting material) without statistical significance. Weighted overall mean vertical gain was 3.7 ± 1.4 mm. Vertical gain was substantially higher when space-making barrier materials such as titanium meshes were used; however this was also associated with strong increase in complication rate. Block grafts achieved higher horizontal gain by approximately 1 mm. The use of block grafts achieved significantly increased vertical gain compared to particulate material only when autogenous block grafts from extraoral donor sites were used.

CONCLUSION

Horizontal and vertical gain by 3.7 mm on average can be achieved using particulate materials. This can be increased by using titanium meshes. Substantial vertical gains beyond this dimension require the use of extraoral bone block grafts.

Dentoalveolar reconstruction: modern approaches

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

A variety of bone grafting materials is available to facilitate the augmentation of defective alveolar ridges. This review evaluates current literature regarding bone grafting materials with emphasis on autologous and allogeneic bone block augmentation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Autogenous bone is a reliable grafting material providing predictable long-term results with high implant survival/success rates and low morbidity rates. The resorption properties of the iliac crest are well known and are compared with calvarial grafts more prominent. Recent studies demonstrated surgical techniques to prevent graft resorption after iliac crest grafting. Allogeneic block graft and implant survival rates appear promising in short-term clinical studies.

SUMMARY

At this stage, iliac crest remains the gold standard in large alveolar bone defects. Autogenous material is not a panacea; however, none of the available materials can currently surpass it. Rather, each material has its specific advantage for certain indications. Evident long-term studies of allogeneic bone grafting are lacking. Detected cells in allogeneic bone substitute material are positive for major histocompatibility complex classes I and II. Despite the promising clinical results achieved with allogeneic bone grafts, the current literature lacks sufficient data on antigenicity.