[Application of pouch technique in the reconstruction of severe alveolar bone defects: a case report]

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) has been widely used in the repair and reconstruction of alveolar bone defects. However, conventional GBR techniques often fail to achieve the desired bone augmentation for severe bone defects (diameter≥5 mm). To address this limitation, several innovative GBR-based approaches, such as the tenting and sausage techniques have been developed, achieving varying degrees of clinical success. Nonetheless, these methods still face considerable challenges, including secondary trauma from autogenous bone harvesting, high technical sensitivity, and limited scalability. In response, our team proposed a novel treatment concept centered on the principle of "stability-core", and developed a new therapeutic strategy that avoids the use of autogenous bone. This strategy involves the development of a new series of tent-peg medical devices and the introduction of the pouch technique, which has been successfully applied in clinical practice. This case report presents the successful use of the pouch technique for vertical ridge augmentation in the maxillary posterior region. At 8-month follow-up, substantial vertical bone gain and restoration of the alveolar ridge contour were achieved. Implant placement and prosthetic rehabilitation were completed with satisfactory functional recovery. The patient reported a positive treatment experience. This technique offers a promising and practical solution for alveolar bone reconstruction.