Partial-thickness cortical bone graft from the mandibular ramus: a non-invasive harvesting technique.
BACKGROUND
The conventional method of harvesting full cortical bone from the mandibular ramus was reported to have associated complications ranging from postoperative pain and swelling to impaired inferior alveolar nerve function.


METHODS
A modified ramal bone harvesting technique is described in which partial cortical-type bone is harvested from the mandibular ramus and used for an autogenous bone graft.


RESULTS
Partial-thickness cortical bone was harvested without paresthesia while reducing postoperative discomfort and complications. Sufficient bone was obtained for ridge augmentation and eventual implant placement.


CONCLUSIONS
Non-invasive partial cortical ramal bone harvesting is a reproducible and predictable technique for preventing nerve damage while providing sufficient block bone needed for a dental implant.
Hwang
Kyung-Gyun
KG
Department of Dentistry/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, #17 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Shim
Kwang-Sup
KS
Yang
Seung-Min
SM
Park
Chang-Joo
CJ
D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000601:surgery*; D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation / Q000379:methods*; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000637:transplantation*; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods*