title: Partial-thickness cortical bone graft from the mandibular ramus: a non-invasive harvesting technique.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry/Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, #17 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Kyung-Gyun
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Kwang-Sup
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Shim
authors.forename: Seung-Min
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Chang-Joo
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: 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*