Long-term stability of atrophic ridges reconstructed with hydroxylapatite
The purpose of this study is to report the results of an investigation of the long-term efficacy and stability of reconstructive surgery of atrophic ridges using hydroxylapatite (HA).
Six hundred and seventy-eight ridges (645 mandibular and 35 maxillary) were reconstructed with subperiosteal placement of HA in the first stage. At the second stage (after four to five weeks) lowering of the floor of the mouth, vestibuloplasty and skin grafting were performed in the mandible, and submucous vestibuloplasty was done in the maxilla. Patients were observed for 5.3 + 2.7 years. The presence of severe or moderate radiographic change was analyzed in relation to gender, age, severity of atrophy, postoperative complications, clinical changes, patient satisfaction, and type of HA particles used alone or with a binder. Seventy-seven percent of the cases had no observable radiographic changes, 13% had moderate changes, and 10% had severe clinical changes. Hydroxylapatite, when used alone or with a binder for reconstructive surgery, is a predictable and stable biomaterial for ridge reconstruction. [M.R.]
Mercier, P., F. Bellavance, J. Cholewa, and S. Djokovic,J Oral Maxillofac Surg 54:960,1996