Maxillary Sinus Augmentation with Decellularized Bovine Compact Particles: A Radiological, Clinical, and Histologic Report of 4 Cases

Background. One of the most problematic regions for endosseous implants is the posterior maxilla, not only having poor bone density, but also lacking adequate vertical height as a result of sinus pneumatization. The purpose of the present study was a radiologic, histological, and histomorphometrical evaluation, in humans, of specimens retrieved from sinuses augmented with decellularized bovine compact particles, after a healing period of 6 months. Methods. Four patients, with atrophic resorbed maxillas, underwent a sinus lift augmentation with decellularized bovine compact bone from bovine femur. The size of the particles used was 0.25–1 mm. A total of four grafts and 5 biopsies were retrieved and processed to obtain thin ground sections with the Precise 1 Automated System. Results. The mean volume after graft elevation calculated for each of the 4 patients was 2106 mm(3) in the immediate postoperative period (5–7 days), ranging from 1408.8 to 2946.4 mm(3). In the late postoperative period (6 months) it was 2053 mm(3), ranging from 1339.9 to 2808.9 mm(3). Histomorphometry showed that newly formed bone was 36 ± 1.6% and marrow spaces were 34 ± 1.6%, while the residual graft material was 35 ± 1.4%. Conclusion. In conclusion, based on the outcome of the present study, Re-Bone® can be used with success in sinus augmentation procedures and 6 months are considered an adequate time for maturation before implant placement.