Radiographic evaluation of mandibular augmentation with prefabricated hydroxylapatite/fibrin glue implants

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Edentulous mandibles often require augmentation to restore height and function.
• Hydroxylapatite/fibrin glue (HA/FG) implants offer a prefabricated solution for mandibular augmentation.
• Assessing the long-term stability of HA/FG implants is crucial for predictable surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To radiographically evaluate the stability of mandibular height after augmentation using prefabricated HA/FG implants.
• To quantify changes in mandibular height and implant dimensions over a 2-year follow-up period.
• To identify potential factors contributing to height reduction in augmented mandibles.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 22 patients undergoing mandibular augmentation with HA/FG implants.
• Standardized lateral oblique cephalometric radiographs taken at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.
• Analysis using a novel computerized image analysis technique to measure mandibular and implant height.

Main Results:

• The average initial height of HA/FG implants was 9.45 mm.
• Total mandibular height loss averaged 2.31 mm at 6 months, 2.90 mm at 12 months, and 3.93 mm at 24 months.
• HA/FG implant height reduction was 0.62 mm at 6 months, 1.24 mm at 12 months, and 2.03 mm at 24 months, primarily in the first six months.

Conclusions:

• Prefabricated HA/FG implants demonstrate limited height reduction in augmenting edentulous mandibles.
• While generally stable, HA/FG implants are not completely stable over a 2-year period.
• Early adaptation, implant compression, or alveolar crest resorption may contribute to observed height changes.