Fresh-frozen homologous bone in sinus lifting: histological and radiological analysis

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate radiological and histological characteristics of fresh-frozen homologous bone as grafting material for maxillary sinus floor augmentation. Radiological, histological and clinical evaluations were made. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with a 2 mm to 6 mm alveolar ridge height in the posterior maxilla have been enrolled. Unilateral or bilateral sinus floor augmentations were performed with fresh frozen morcelized homologous bone. Together with implant placement, 7 months after surgery, a bone core was harvested for histological analysis. Radiological measurements were obtained by superimposition of CT scans carried out at the surgery time and six months later. A total of 93 implants were positioned. RESULTS: A mean (±SD) increase in mineralized tissue height of 10.74±2.82 mm was noticed by comparing the CT scans. Histological analysis revealed the presence of newly formed bone in the grafted sites. The follow up period after the prosthetic load ranged from 8 to 31 months. One implant failure occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Fresh frozen homologous bone seems to have a good healing pattern and to be a successful and steady grafting material for the treatment of maxillary ridge atrophy. It might be considered a valid alternative to autologous bone in sinus floor augmentation procedures.