[Alveolar ridge augmentation with hip corticocancellous allogenic block graft prior to implant placement]

The use of autogenous block bone grafts in bone regeneration procedures for alveolar ridge augmentation can be limited by donor-site morbidity and complications. In this study, allogeneic block grafts were used for ridge augmentation prior to implant placement. Thirty six patients with severe ridge width and height deficiency underwent augmentation using an allogeneic corticocancellous iliac block bone graft. After rigid fixation of the graft, the site was covered with a freeze dried allogeneic dura mater membrane or restorable collagen membrane and then tension-free closure was performed. Implants were placed three to four months after surgery. Three to six months after implant placement, panoramic radiographs were taken and implants were uncovered for prosthetic restoration. Out of the 70 implants placed, one implant failed to integrate. Out of the 49 grafts placed one graft showed three millimeters of bone resorbtion at the superior buccal aspect of the graft. No other clinical problems were observed. The block grafts were clinically well integrated into the recipient site. The augmented bone remained stable throughout implant placement procedures. Clinical outcome evidence demonstrates that allogeneic block bone grafts in conjunction with G.B.R principles might be a viable alternative to autogenous grafts in selected patients with alveolar ridge deficiencies.