Augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor with particulated mandible: a histologic and histomorphometric study

This study presents the results of 10 consecutive patients treated with unilateral bone augmentation of the maxillary sinus floor using particulated mandible harvested from the symphysis. Endosseous titanium implants (Brånemark) were placed 6 months after the transplant procedure. Thirty self-tapping implants were placed with a mean follow-up period of 26 months (range 12 to 46 months). Bone biopsy specimens were obtained from the donor site and the residual alveolar process at the time of grafting. A second biopsy specimen was obtained from the grafted site after 6 months of healing (at time of implant placement), and a third biopsy specimen was obtained after 12 months of healing (at time of abutment placement). Histomorphometry was performed on microradiographs using a computerized image analysis system. The bone volume fraction at the donor site before particulation was 58% +/- 19%, and the volume fraction at the residual alveolar process was 45% +/- 15%. The mean volume fraction of bone in the grafted area increased from 40% +/- 12% after 6 months of healing to 48% +/- 10% after 12 months. Histology of the retrieved bone biopsy specimens revealed normal healing and bone maturation in all samples.