20 years of alveolar distraction: A systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND: The Vertical Alveolar Distraction Osteogenesis (VADO) technique is an excellent solution for bone and soft tissue neoformation in areas in which there has been significant bone atrophy that hinders normal rehabilitation using dental implants. The goal of this systematic review is to analyze the most relevant articles published on VADO in the literature over the past 20 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The review was performed by using the keywords: “alveolar ridge”, “distraction ostegenesis” and “dental implant”. This search produced a total result of 240 articles. The clinical studies and cases reported in humans amounted to 113 articles, 18 articles referred to studies developed on animals and 33 review articles. The presentation of this systematic analysis follows the criteria described in the PRISMA declaration. RESULTS: 22 articles complied with the inclusion criteria and 7 articles more were added manually, reaching a total sample of 29 studies. Following the analysis of the studies, they were classified into 18 high-quality, 10 mediumquality and 1 low-quality study. Only 4 studies achieved a maximum score of 9 (according to NewCastle Ottawa Scale, NOS). CONCLUSIONS: VADO is a technique with greater potential in vertical gain. The performance of dental implants has a success and survival rate similar to dental implants placed on bones that are not subject to increase techniques. Key words:Vertical distraction osteogenesis, alveolar ridge, distraction osteogenesis, dental implant.