The hydroxylapatite-bone interface. Studies on a human biopsy.

Augmentation of the mandible with HA and cancellous bone appears to be a clinically stable and reliable procedure. A human biopsy, taken after 16 months, shows a mature bone frame embedding HA particles and a stable HA-bone interface. Minimal biodegradation was observed in the subperiosteal layer.

Reconstruction of the severely resorbed mandible with interposed bone grafts and hydroxylapatite. A 2-3 year follow-up.

A follow-up study on 55 patients, who underwent an augmentation of their severely resorbed mandible, using a mixture of autogenous bone and HA-granules, is discussed. The method combines an interposed bone graft technique in the symphyseal area with a subperiosteal tunneling in the region posterior to the mental foramina. The results show a maximum height loss of approximately 30% in both the symphysis and the bicuspid-molar region after 2 to 3 years, from which most occurred in the first 6 months. The method is relatively safe with regard to potential nerve damage and provides excellent aesthetic results. The option for subsequent placement of implants is entirely possible.