Comparison of the healing and revascularization of onlayed autologous and lyophilized allogeneic rib grafts to the edentulous maxilla.

ABSTRACT

The healing and revascularization of onlayed autologous and lyophilized allogeneic rib grafts to the edentulous maxilla in the Macaca fascicularis monkey were studied using clinical, histologic, and microangiographic methods at varying intervals of up to eight months. Results indicated that healing and revascularization were similar but resorption of the allografts occurred approximately three months later than resorption of the autografts. Both grafting systems appeared to have minimal osteogenic potential. Osteoinduction and the final bony augmentation obtained were less than were seen with comparable autologous and allogeneic interpositional grafts.