Clinical evaluation of endosseous implants in nonvascularized fibula bone grafts for reconstruction of the severely atrophied mandibular bone.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to assess changes in graft height after augmentation of the severely atrophied mandibula with the use of avascular fibula bone grafts, as well as evaluation of the clinical success of endosseous implants placed in the grafted mandibula.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 10 patients with a mean observation period of 31 months (range, 3 to 76 months). A total of 40 implants were placed. Clinical criteria included implant success, graft success, and crestal bone resorption.

RESULTS

The grafting procedure was successfully performed in all patients. All implants were integrated, 2 implants could not be used for prosthetic rehabilitation. One implant was lost 2 years after abutment connection. The maximum bone resorption of 7.21% (+/- 2.7%) was seen within the first year; no significant resorption was seen thereafter.

CONCLUSION

In this clinical and radiographic evaluation, it was found that nonvascular fibula graft is a reliable material for augmentation procedures. The resorption takes place within the first year after augmentation. The possibility of improving the clinical results in bone grafting situations with avascular fibula grafts will be further evaluated in a prospective follow-up study providing long-term assessment of this procedure.