Case report

Reconstruction of a Unilateral Alveolar Cleft Using a Customized Allogenic Bone Block and Subsequent Dental Implant Placement in an Adult Patient

CASE REPORT

Blume O, Back M, Born T, Donkiewicz P. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg., Article in press

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2019.05.021

This case report presents the use of a customized allogenic bone block in a guided bone Regeneration (GBR) procedure for the reconstruction of a unilateral alveolar cleft and the successful insertion of dental implants in an adult patient.

Abstract

Cleft lip and palate is the most common congenital deformity with severe impact on the quality of life of affected patients. The deformity often includes an alveolar cleft (AC). In most instances, osteoplasty is performed using autogenous bone transplants harvested from the iliac crest, whereby this treatment represents a highly invasive procedure. As freeze-dried bone allografts (FDBA) are an increasingly accepted alternative to autogenous bone grafting in several indications, their application might also be suitable for AC reconstruction. In this case report we present the use of a customized allogenic bone block in a guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedure for the reconstruction of a unilateral AC and the successful insertion of dental implants after a healing period of 6 months. The use of FDBA seems to represent a successful treatment option for AC reconstruction. The allogenic bone block demonstrated high volume stability with ideal integration and revascularization, resulting in functional bone tissue suitable for implantation and aesthetic rehabilitation. Nevertheless, further investigations, especially concerning long-term stability of the augmented bone and dental implants, are needed to draw a definite conclusion on the performance of allogenic bone blocks in orofacial cleft osteoplasty.

Oliver Blume, Michael Back