title: Endosseous alveolar distractor (LEAD™) in the management of residual alveolar ridge resorption.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lack of sufficient alveolar bone height or width is one of the most frequent problems in the dental rehabilitation of the edentulous patient.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of an endosseous alveolar distractor (LEADTM) in managing residual alveolar ridge resorption was carried out. The complications related to the surgical procedure and the quantitative changes in the regenerate over a 6 month period following distraction were studied in 13 cases with alveolar ridge atrophy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Desired ridge augmentation was achieved in 11 cases. In 2 cases the distraction failed. Some unusual complications were encountered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The LEAD™ alveolar distractor produces consistent augmentation of the alveolar bone but is confronted with stability issues.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, CMDC, Kothamangalam, Ernakulam, India  ; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, CMDC (NC), C/O 56 APO, Kothamangalam, Ernakulam, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sudeep
authors.forename: G K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Thapliyal
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Suresh Menon
authors.forename: Ramen
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sinha
keywords: Alveolar augmentation; Distraction osteogenesis; LEAD™