Histomorphometric analysis following augmentation of the posterior mandible using cancellous bone-block allograft

The present study was conducted to histologically and histomorphometrically evaluate the application of cancellous bone-block allografts for the augmentation of the posterior atrophic mandible. Twenty-four consecutive patients underwent augmentation with cancellous bone-block allografts in the posterior mandible. A bony deficiency of at least 3 mm horizontally and/or vertically according to CT para-axial reconstruction served as inclusion criteria. Following 6 months, 85 implants were placed and a cylindrical sample core was collected. All specimens were prepared for histological and histomorphometrical examination. Implant survival rate was 95.3%. Follow-up ranged 12-66 months (mean 43 ± 19 months). The mean newly formed bone was 44 ± 28%, that of the residual cancellous bone-block allograft 29 ± 24%, and of the marrow and connective tissue 27 ± 21%. Statistically significant histomorphometric differences regarding newly formed bone (69% vs. 31%, p = 0.05) were found between younger (<45 years) and older (>45 years) patients, respectively. Histomorphometric differences regarding residual cancellous bone-block allograft (17% vs. 35%) and of the marrow and connective tissue (14% vs. 34%) were not statistically significant. Cancellous bone-block allograft is biocompatible and osteoconductive, permitting new bone formation following augmentation of extremely atrophic posterior mandible with a two-stage implant placement procedure. New bone formation was age-dependent.