Sinus-Plate Augmentation Method (SPAM) for Lateral Ridge Augmentation in the Maxillary Posterior Area: A Case Series

This paper describes a novel surgical technique (Sinus-Plate Augmentation Method [SPAM]) using autologous sinus plate bone for posterior lateral maxillary augmentation during sinus lifting and dental implant insertion.

Eight partially edentulous patients aged 52-71 years old (7 females, 2 smokers) with severe horizontal alveolar bone resorption in the maxillary posterior areas, were surgically treated as follows: lateral bone augmentation was performed by harvesting the vestibular bone wall of the sinus window and using a xenogeneic bone graft, followed by external sinus lifting and implant insertion. Seven patients were followed-up for 12-18 months, while one patient was followed-up for 36 months.

A total of 24 implants were inserted simultaneously with SPAM and sinus lifting. Post-operative healing was uneventful in all cases. Horizontal alveolar bone gain ranged between 9.28±1.2 mm post-operatively and 8.37±1.5 mm at the 19.5-month follow-up. A statistically significant gain in alveolar bone width of 2.55±1.47 mm was present at the follow-up.

SPAM seems to be a feasible surgical technique for the horizontal reconstruction of moderate to severely resorbed posterior maxillae, concomitant to external sinus lifting and implant insertion.