title: Vertical ridge augmentation using the modified shell technique--a case series.
abstract: Vertical defects of the alveolar crest often restrict the placement of implants. The outcome of vertical augmentation is unpredictable so we aimed to develop a technique that has predictable results. We used autogenous grafts trimmed to shells less than 1mm thick to rebuild the vertical dimensions of the alveolar ridge. The shells were fixed with microscrews and the vertical space between the shell and the residual bone was filled with autogenous particulate bone. Vertical dimensions before and after augmentation were measured and descriptive statistics calculated. A total of 17 patients (10 female, 7 male, mean (SD) age 46 (17) years) had 18 sites augmented (2 sites in one patient). In 2 cases the wound dehisced and healing was by secondary intention. The rest healed uneventfully. The mean (SD) vertical defect was 4.7 (1.4) mm and mean (SD) resorption during consolidation was 0.5 (0.7) mm. All 30 previously planned implants were placed, and none failed during the first year. Loading was monitored for a mean (SD) period of 14.6 (10.5) months. The technique showed promising results and could be an alternative to procedures that use extraoral donor sites.
authors.affiliation: University of Munich, Department of Prosthodontics, Goethestr. 70, 80336 Munich, Germany; Private Practice for Oral Surgery, Josef-Heilingbrunnerstrasse 2, 93413 Cham, Germany. Electronic address: michael.stimmelmayr@med.uni-muenchen.de.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stimmelmayr
authors.affiliation: University of Munich, Department of Prosthodontics, Goethestr. 70, 80336 Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Beuer
authors.affiliation: Private Practice, Bayreutherstr. 39, 91301 Forchheim, Germany.
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schlee
authors.affiliation: University of Munich, Department of Prosthodontics, Goethestr. 70, 80336 Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Edelhoff
authors.affiliation: University of Munich, Department of Prosthodontics, Goethestr. 70, 80336 Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Jan-Frederik
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Güth
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000601:surgery; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000473:pathology; D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation / Q000379:methods*; D064592:Autografts / Q000637:transplantation*; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000209:etiology; D001863:Bone Screws; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D003094:Collagen; D015921:Dental Implants; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008875:Middle Aged; D008904:Miniaturization; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000601:surgery; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology; D014716:Vertical Dimension; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: C106416:Bio-Gide; D015921:Dental Implants; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D003094:Collagen
keywords: Autogenous bone grafting; Hard tissue augmentation; Vertical ridge augmentation