https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38392246/
Perez A, Pierantozzi E, Di Felice R, Lombardi T. Dent J (Basel). 2024;12(2):42.

Original Title: Clinical and Biological Validation of an Allogeneous Cancellous Bone Block for Alveolar Maxillary Ridge Reconstruction: A Case Series

This case series of 5 patients investigates the efficacy of cancellous maxgraft^® blocks for lateral alveolar ridge augmentation in the posterior maxilla with a follow-up period of up to 3 years. This study is also the first to describe the use of maxgraft^® blocks as part of sinus-block-augmentative procedure. CBCT scans obtained before and 5 months after block augmentation showed a substantial horizontal bone gain of 7.0 mm (median). Radiographic evaluation at the 1-year follow-up revealed stable marginal bone levels at the implant platform for all lateral-block-augmented sites. Histological analysis indicated the integration of the grafting material,  the formation of new bone as well as the ongoing re-modeling of the allogenic bone graft remnants.

OBJECTIVES

This exploratory case series clinically and histologically investigated the performance of cancellous maxgraft blocks for the lateral augmentation of local alveolar defects in the posterior maxilla as part of two-staged implant therapy.

METHODS

Five patients receiving eight implants 5 months after block augmentation with a follow-up period of up to 3 years were documented and analyzed. Horizontal alveolar dimensions before and 5 months after block augmentation were quantified using CBCT. Radiographic marginal bone level changes were quantified at implant placement, loading, and 1 year post-placement. Graft integration and resorption were histologically qualitatively evaluated from core biopsies retrieved at implant placement.

RESULTS

Block augmentations resulted in a pronounced horizontal median bone gain of 7.0 (5.5 to 7.8) mm. Marginal implant bone levels in block-augmented bone remained constant over the 1 year follow-up period. Block grafts appeared histologically well integrated. Histologic analysis also revealed signs of progressive resorption and new bone formation at the lateral aspects of the graft. The results of this case series support using maxgraft^® blocks as suitable materials for the lateral augmentation of local alveolar defects.