Bone Grafts Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Bone Grafts, including details on spine fusion, surgery, procedure, risks.

Reconstruction of severe anterior maxillary defects using distraction osteogenesis, bone grafts, and implants.

Block MS, Baughman DG

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, LSU School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe the method for reconstructing patients with severe anterior maxillary defects, using a combination of distraction osteogenesis, onlay bone grafts, and implants to support either fixed or fixed/removable prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The surgical technique involves placement of an extraosseous distraction device followed by greater than 10 mm of distraction of the alveolus. A corticocancellous graft is harvested from the hip to establish sufficient horizontal bone for implant placement. Implants are placed after graft consolidation followed by fabrication of a fixed or fixed/removable prosthesis depending on the needs of the individual patient. RESULTS: Five patients have been prospectively followed using this technique, with completion of their prosthetic reconstruction, with follow-up ranging from 1 to 4 years. CONCLUSION: The combination of distraction, onlay bone grafting, and implant placement has been able to reconstruct patients with severe maxillary defects.

Published 2 March 2005 in J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 63(3): 291-7.
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