Modified Le Fort I interpositional grafting of the severe atrophied maxilla-a retrospective study of 106 patients over 10 years.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate a modified Le Fort I interpositional grafting followed by dental implants for the rehabilitation of edentulous atrophied maxillae (Cawood classes IV and V). The surgical modification was a bilateral sinus floor augmentation prior to the osteotomy. This generated a closed recipient bed which allowed the use of particulated bone grafts (xenogenic bone mineral) and a reduced amount of autologous iliac bone grafts.

Materials And Methods: A total of 106 patients with maxillary interpositional bone grafts were included in this retrospective analysis between 2006 and 2020. The panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms were analyzed to assess the gain and stability of the maxillary bone and the peri-implant bone loss. In addition, the observational period of up to 14 years implant survival and success was evaluated.

Results: A stable vertical bone height with mean 0.63 ± 1.41 mm resorption over 5 years after implant loading was observed. A mean of 0.20 ± 0.37 mm marginal bone loss was noted after 5 years. The implant survival was 96.4% after 5 years and implant success can be rated 91.7% in a mean follow-up period of 93 months and 168 months maximal observation time. Perioperative complications included sinus membrane perforation (59.43%), wound healing disturbances (25.47%), and transient primary complications (13.78%). All receded apart from two subtotal graft losses (1.8%).

Conclusions: The modified Le Fort I osteotomy with interpositional bone grafts is a predictable procedure in terms of bone and implant stability. Patients with atrophic maxillae who are fit for surgery should be informed about risks and benefits of this treatment alternative.