Is There a Relationship Between Age, Personal Factors or Surgical Findings, and Outcome After Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopy?

PURPOSE: The variables involved in prognosis after treatment of internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are unclear. The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency and identify which factors are associated with treatment success (or failure) among patients with ID managed with arthroscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out of patients undergoing TMJ arthroscopy over a 9-year-period. The predictor variable was composed of a set of demographic, clinical, and operative findings, including, as primary variable, the patient's age. The primary outcome variable was based on the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (AAOMS) criteria of pain (measured by visual analogue scale (VAS)) and maximal interincisal opening (MIO) defined as VAS ≤ 3 and MIO greater 35 mm and grouped as success or failure. The improvement in pain and functional values were compared with the age by using the Pearson correlation coefficient, whereas categorical variables were tested using chi-squared analysis, and mean values were compared with Student t-test or ANOVA. Subsequently, a logistic regression model was used, and the odds ratios (OR) of the evaluated comparisons were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 212 patients were included in this study. In terms of arthroscopic findings, the presence of severe chondromalacia, adhesions or disc perforation (P < .001), was related with older patients. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between age and the postoperative improvement referred to pain or MIO. According to the AAOMS criteria, the procedure was successful in 54.24% of the cases. Two factors were related with a favorable outcome in the adjusted regression analysis: a higher presurgical MIO (OR 0.91, P < .001) and the presence of adhesions (OR 0.41, P = .003). CONCLUSION: Age has no influence on the outcome after arthroscopy. A higher presurgical MIO and the presence of adhesions provide, in the long-term, a favorable prognosis.

Nuevos avances en las prótesis ATM customizadas: nuestra experiencia en el Hospital Universitario La Princesa / New advances in customized TMJ prosthesis: our experience at La Princesa University Hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: Presentamos nuestra experiencia y serie de casos en los que se ha utilizado la prótesis de ATM diseñada y desarrollada en España por el Dr. Carlos Goizueta (Hospital Sant Joan d'Alacant) junto con el Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias y Maxilaria. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Pacientes tratados con patología de la articulación temporomandibular y que han sido reconstruidos con una prótesis de ATM. Esta prótesis tiene cuatro componentes, dos de la fosa articular (una parte de titanio y la otra de polietileno) y dos del cuerpo de la prótesis (cabeza de cromo-cobalto y rama de titanio). RESULTADOS: Se presentan los resultados preliminares de los pacientes reconstruidos con prótesis de ATM en los últimos 2 años en nuestro centro. Se han colocado un total de 8 prótesis en 6 PACIENTES: El diagnóstico de los pacientes fue anquilosis en 4 de los casos, y disfunción ATM avanzada en los otros 2. Se vio una mejoría, tanto del dolor como de la apertura oral, en un seguimiento mínimo de 6 meses. CONCLUSIÓN: Esta prótesis de ATM, de desarrollo nacional, tiene varias ventajas como son la posibilidad de recambio de algún componente y también el diseño del mismo hace que las fuerzas masticatorias se transmiten a la rama mandibular y no a los tornillos de la prótesis

INTRODUCTION: We present our experience and case series in which we used a TMJ prosthesis designed and developed in Spain by Dr. Carlos Goizueta (Hospital Sant Joan d'Alacant), together with the Technological Institute of Canarias and Maxilaria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint pathology who were reconstructed with a TMJ prosthesis. This prosthesis has four components, two of the articular fossa (one part of titanium and the other part of polyethylene) and two of the body of the device (condylar head of cobalt-chrome and ramus of titanium). RESULTS: We present the preliminary results of the patients reconstructed with a TMJ prosthesis in the past 2 years in our center. A total of 8 prosthesis were place in 6 PATIENTS: The diagnosis of the patients was TMJ ankylosis in 4 cases, and severe TMJ dysfunction in the other 2 cases. An improvement of both pain and also mouth opening was observed after a follow-up of at least 6 months. CONCLUSION: This TMJ prosthesis, developed in Spain, has many advantages, such as the possibility of replacement of some of the parts, as well as its design since the masticatory forces are transmitted to the mandibular ramus and not to the screws of the device

Eficacia de la acupuntura en el tratamiento del síndrome de dolor miofascial de la musculatura masticatoria / Efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of myofascial pain síndrome of the masticatory musculature

Objetivos: El síndrome de dolor miofascial (SDM) de la musculatura masticatoria (MM) constituye la patología más frecuente dentro de los trastornos temporomandibulares (TTM). En cuanto al tratamiento del SDM de la MM, no existen protocolos estandarizados. Hay evidencia de que la acupuntura es eficaz en el tratamiento del dolor miofascial. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar la eficacia de la acupuntura en el tratamiento del SDM de la MM en términos de reducción de la intensidad del dolor y la duración de la reducción del dolor en el tiempo. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo en 30 pacientes diagnosticados de SDM de la MM que fueron tratados mediante 15 sesiones de acupuntura. Las variables del estudio fueron: 1) Porcentaje de pacientes que alcanzan una respuesta clínica relevante a lo largo del seguimiento (disminución del dolor de, al menos, un 50 % en la escala visual analógica con respecto al inicial o bien una reducción total del dolor a < 30 mm en la misma escala). 2) Reducción del dolor muscular orofacial después del tratamiento, expresado en milímetros (mm), dentro de la escala visual analógica (EVA). 3) Máxima apertura oral (MAO) expresada en mm. 4) Estabilidad del efecto terapéutico. Las variables fueron evaluadas antes del tratamiento, a los 3, 6, 9 y 12 meses. Resultados: La mediana de edad fue de 42 años (33-53). Con respecto al sexo, 28 de los 30 pacientes (93 %) fueron mujeres. El seguimiento fue completo para los 30 pacientes. Al final del seguimiento, 20 de los 30 pacientes (67 %, IC 95% 49-81) mantuvieron una reducción del dolor a la categoría leve (EVA < 30 %) o bien una reducción > 50 % del basal. A lo largo del estudio, el porcentaje de pacientes que alcanzó el criterio de respuesta clínica relevante preestablecido se mantuvo estable (67-80 %), no variando significativamente a lo largo del tiempo. Conclusiones: Los resultados del estudio demuestran que la acupuntura es eficaz en el control del dolor del SDM de la MM. Los efectos terapéuticos de la acupuntura son de inicio temprano (< 3 meses), estables y se mantienen hasta el final del seguimiento de un año

Objectives: Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) of the Masticatory Muscles (MM) is one of the most prevalent diseases included in the Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome. Regarding its treatment, there are not standarized protocols. There is some evidence that acupuncture is effective in MPS of the MM treatment. The objective of the present study is to analyze the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of MPS of the MM, in terms of pain intensity reduction and duration of the pain reduction along time. Patients and methods: This is an observational prospective study. Thirty patients diagnosed of MPS of the MM were treated with 15 sessions of acupuncture. The variables of the study included were: 1) Percentage of patients that achieved a relevant clinical response (pain reduction of at least 50 % from the initial value, in a visual analogue scale, or a visual analogue scale pain value less than 30 milimeters). 2) Pain reduction after treatment, measured in milimeters in a visual analogue scale (VAS). 3) Maximal mouth opening measured in milimeters. 4) Stability of the pain reduction. The variables were evaluated before treatment and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after. Results: The median of age was 42 years (33-53). Twenty eight patients were female (93 %). The follow up period lasted one year and all the patients completed it. At the end of the follow up period, 20 of the 30 patients (67 %, IC 95 % 49-81) maintained a pain reduction in a mild category (VAS < 30 %) or a total reduction of > 50 % from de initial pain value. Along the follow-up period, the percentage of patients that achieved a relevant clinical response maintained stable (67-80 %). Conclusions: The results of the study show that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of MPS of the MM. Treatment effects appear early (< 3 months) and maintain stable within the first year

Influencia de la edad en los hallazgos y el resultado del tratamiento artroscópico de la disfunción temporomandibular. Un estudio basado en 162 casos / Influence of age on the findings and outcome of arthroscopic treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction. A study based on 162 cases

Introducción: El propósito del presente estudio fue analizar si los hallazgos artroscópicos y la mejoría clínica tras dicho tratamiento quirúrgico difieren en virtud de la edad de los pacientes afectos por disfunción temporomandibular. Material y métodos: Se revisaron de manera retrospectiva los datos correspondientes a los pacientes tratados durante 7 años en dos centros hospitalarios en los cuales el tratamiento artroscópico se realizó de acuerdo con el mismo protocolo. Se consideraron solo los pacientes con diagnóstico de bloqueo crónico (estadios IV y V, según clasificación de Wilkes-Bronstein). El estudio implicó el análisis de dos grupos de pacientes diferenciados: a) Grupo A menores de 45 años al diagnóstico, b) Grupo B mayores de 45 años al diagnóstico. Durante la fase diagnóstica del protocolo de artroscopia por disfunción temporomandibular, se recogieron los parámetros «sinovitis» y «condromalacia». Asimismo se analizó la presencia o no de adherencias y/o de perforación discal. En cuanto al resultado clínico del tratamiento de los pacientes, se consideró el dolor durante la función mandibular, la máxima apertura interincisal, el movimiento protrusivo y de lateralidad en sentido contralateral a la articulación afecta como variables de estudio. Dichos datos se consideraron durante el postoperatorio al mes, 3, 6, 9, 12 y 24 meses. El análisis de los datos se basó en un análisis de la varianza de una vía para las variables cuantitativas y el test de χ2 para el estudio de las variables cualitativas. Los valores se consideraron significativos para una p < 0,05. Resultados: La población de estudio incluyó 162 pacientes (Grupo A 90 pacientes, Grupo B 72 pacientes). Los hallazgos de sinovitis y condromalacia en fase avanzada fueron más frecuentes para el grupo B de estudio con diferencias estadísticamente significativas, mientras que los hallazgos de adherencias y perforación discal no difirieron entre ambos grupos. Tras la realización de artroscopia de la ATM, se observó un descenso significativo del dolor (desde el primer mes postoperatorio) junto con un incremento significativo de la máxima apertura interincisal (a partir de 3 meses de seguimiento poscirugía) en ambos grupos de estudio. Conclusiones: El tratamiento mediante artroscopia de la disfunción temporomandibular en fases avanzadas de la enfermedad produce una mejoría clínica tanto en pacientes mayores como menores de 45 años de edad. Los pacientes mayores de 45 años presentan cambios patológicos intraarticulares correspondientes tanto a sinovitis como a condromalacia en fases más avanzadas. Por el contrario, estos pacientes mayores no muestran un incidencia superior de otros signos de degeneración articular como presencia de adherencias o perforación discal

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyse whether the findings and clinical improvement after arthroscopic surgical treatment were different according to the age of the patients affected by temporomandibular dysfunction. Material and methods: A retrospective review was performed on the data corresponding to patients treated arthroscopically over a 7-year period in two hospitals using the same protocol. Only patients with a diagnosis of chronic closed lock (stage IV and V, according to Wilkes-Bronstein classification) were considered. The study involved the analysis of two different patient groups: a) Group A under 45 years of age at diagnosis, b) Group B over 45 years of age at diagnosis. During the diagnostic phase of the temporomandibular dysfunction arthroscopy protocol, the parameters "synovitis" and "chondromalacia" were collected for the evaluation of the synovial membrane and joint surface, respectively. The presence or absence of adhesions and/or disc perforation was also analysed. Regarding the clinical outcome of the treatment of patients, pain during mandibular function, maximum inter-incisal opening, protrusive movement, and laterality in contralateral direction to the joint involved, were considered as study variables. These data were collected at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months after the surgery. Data analysis was based on a one-way variance analysis for quantitative variables and the χ2 test for the study of qualitative variables. The values were considered significant for a p < .05. Results: The study population included 162 patients (Group A 90 patients, group B 72 patients). Pathological findings of advanced-stage synovitis and chondromalacia were more frequent for group B, with statistically significant differences, while findings of disc adhesions and perforation did not differ between both groups. After TMJ arthroscopy, a significant decrease in pain (from the first postoperative month) was observed, together with a significant increase in maximum inter-incisal opening (from 3 months post-surgery follow-up) in both study groups. The rate of patients undergoing re-arthroscopy or open joint surgery in post-surgery follow-up was higher in Group A patients. Conclusions: Arthroscopic treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction in advanced stages of the disease shows a clinical improvement in patients over and under 45 years of age. Patients over 45 years of age showed intra-articular pathological changes corresponding to both synovitis and chondromalacia in more advanced phases. In contrast, these older patients did not show a higher incidence of other signs of joint degeneration, such as adhesions or disc perforation. Patients over 45 years of age did not have any differences in the percentage of failure and/or re-operation after arthroscopic treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction, compared to younger patients

Mixoma odontogénico: presentación de una serie de 4 casos clínicos y revisión de la literatura / Odontogenic myxoma: Presentation of a series of 4 clinical cases and review of the literature

Objetivo: El objetivo de este artículo es presentar 3 casos de mixoma odontogénico (MO), un caso de fibromixoma (FM) y una revisión sistemática de la literatura de MO y FM, enfocándonos especialmente en la epidemiología y tratamiento. Métodos: Se revisan todos los casos de MO y FM tratados en nuestro hospital. Se buscó en la base de datos de PubMed utilizando las palabras clave MESH: mixoma odontogénico, mixofibroma odontogénico, fibromixoma odontogénico, desde enero del año 2010 hasta octubre del 2016. Resultados: Se presentan 4 casos clínicos intervenidos en nuestro servicio. Tres de ellos se resecaron y fueron reconstruidos con colgajo de peroné, en el otro se realizó legrado; ninguno presentó recidiva. De los 281 estudios iniciales identificados en PubMed, solo 24 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión de nuestra investigación; la edad media de los pacientes fue de 32,6 años, eran mujeres el 59%, la localización fue mandibular posterior en el 54% de los casos y hubo recidiva solo en un caso. Para FM identificamos 5 artículos, de los cuales el 50% eran mujeres con una edad media de 16,5 años; el 80% fueron tratados con enucleación y legrado, sin recurrencia. Conclusión: El MO es un tumor poco frecuente, con una variante llamada FM aún más infrecuente y que no es tan recidivante como se describe. La elección de tratamiento depende de ciertas variables como son la localización, la edad del paciente y las necesidades reconstructivas

Purpose: The aim of this work is to report 3 cases of odontogenic myxoma (OM), one case of fibromyxoma (FM), and a review of the literature as regards the epidemiology and treatment of OM and FM. Methods: A study was conducted on all cases of OM and FM treated in our hospital. A search was made in PubMed database using the MESH keywords: «odontogenic myxoma» «odontogenic myxofibroma», «odontogenic fibromyxoma», from January 2010 to October 2016. Results: Of the 4 cases managed in our hospital, 3 of them were resected and reconstructed with fibula flap, and the other one was managed by legrado, with no recurrences. From the first 281 initial papers identified in PubMed, only 24 fulfilled the inclusion criteria of our study. The mean age of patients was 32.6 years, of whom 59% were women, and with posterior mandibular localitation in 54% of the cases and occurrence in only one case. As regards FM, 5 articles were identified in which 50% were women with a mean age of 16.5 years, and 80% were treated by enucleation and legrado with no recurrences. Conclusions: OM is a rare tumour, with a variant called FM that is less common and not as recurrent as described. The choice of treatment should depend on variables such as location, age, and the aesthetic needs of the patient

Crecimiento tumoral agresivo coincidente con el uso de distracción osteogénica mandibular. Presentación de un caso / Aggressive tumor growth associated with the use of mandibular distraction osteogenesis. A case presentation

Propósito. Comunicar un caso inusual de crecimiento tumoral agresivo en relación con el uso de distracción mandibular. La situación clínica presentada sugiere que los factores bioquímicos liberados durante la distracción ósea pueden interferir el desarrollo de los tumores malignos activos, provocando una rápida progresión. Material y métodos. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con antecedentes de carcinoma basocelular esclerosante recurrente en el área labiomentoniana izquierda. A pesar de los múltiples intentos de extirpar completamente el tumor y el estrecho seguimiento realizado, 18 años después de realizar el diagnóstico inicial las biopsias tomadas mostraron infiltración tumoral de la mandíbula. Con el fin de minimizar la cantidad de hueso y partes blandas necesarias para la reconstrucción, se decidió realizar una distracción mandibular bilateral antes de realizar la resección mandibular, aprovechando así el crecimiento muy lento que tenía el tumor. Al cabo de 5 semanas de iniciar la distracción se objetivó una gran masa tumoral de nueva aparición al nivel del suelo de la boca anterior, que posteriormente se confirmó que tenía el mismo diagnóstico histopatológico que el tumor inicial. Resultados. Debido a la inesperada ocurrencia de la complicación presentada tuvimos que abandonar la distracción, y decidimos realizar una resección de espesor total del tercio facial inferior y la reconstrucción del defecto con un injerto libre vascularizado de peroné y un colgajo miocutáneo pectoral. Conclusión. La distracción osteogénica puede complicar el curso de un proceso neoplásico local y su uso debe ser valorado como posible contraindicación en pacientes con procesos tumorales activos (AU)

Purpose. to report an unusual case of aggressive tumoral growth related to the use of mandibular distraction. The clinical situation presented suggests that the biochemical factors released during the osseous distraction can interfere with the development of the active malignant tumors, triggering a rapid progression. Material and methods. We present the case of a patient who had a history of recurrent sclerosing basal cell carcinoma in the left chin area. Despite of the multiples attempts to completely remove the tumor and the close follow- up conducted, 18 years from the initial diagnosis the biopsies taken showed tumoral infiltration of the mandibular bone. In order to take advantage of the slow rate of the tumoral growth, we decided to carry out a bilateral mandibular distraction before performing the mandibular resection and reduce in this manner the amount of the bone necessary for the reconstruction. Five weeks after the onset of the bone distraction a newly emerging tumoral mass could be observed in the anterior floor of the mouth, which was confirmed to have the same histological diagnose as the initial tumor. Results. Due to the unexpected complication we had to abandon the distraction and decided to perform a full-thickness resection of the inferior third of the face and the reconstruction of the defect using a free vascularized fibular graft and a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Conclusion. Distraction osteogenesis can complicate the course of a local neoplastic process and its use should be valued as a potential contraindication in patients with active tumors (AU)

Temporomandibular joint disc perforation: long-term results after operative arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: Disc perforation (DP) is one of the most important pathologic signs of intracapsular temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease; however, few clinical studies have focused on the arthroscopic management of this feature. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether operative arthroscopy with abrasion of the perforation borders is effective for the treatment of this alteration of the internal derangement of the TMJ. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients (39 joints) who underwent TMJ arthroscopy under general anesthesia and presented with DP (Wilkes stages IV and V) from 1994 through 2006 were included in this study. The age range at the time of surgery was 14 to 59 years. DPs were classified into 3 groups according to size: small (SMA), medium (MED), or large (LAR). Pain (visual analog scale, scores 0 to 100), maximal interincisal opening, and lateral and protrusive excursions were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 months after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared and tested for statistically significant differences by the Student t test for paired data. The level of statistical significance was set at .05. Differences in the global, SMA, MED, and LAR groups were evaluated. RESULTS: In the global group, the mean score of preoperative pain according to the visual analog scale was 53.97 mm, which decreased to 14.33 mm at 4-year follow-up. The maximal interincisal opening improved from a mean of 28.56 mm before surgery to 34.88 mm after the final follow-up. SMA perforations were found in 11 cases (28.20%), MED in 19 cases (48.71%), and LAR in 9 cases (23.07%). A significant decrease in pain (P < .01) was observed from the first postoperative month to the end of the follow-up period in the global and SMA groups. A statistically significant increase in mouth opening was observed in the global group from 6 months postoperatively; however, no significant differences were observed in the MED and LAR groups from before surgery to the different times of follow-up. After the final follow-up, 2 patients underwent open TMJ surgery owing to unfavorable results. CONCLUSIONS: Operative arthroscopy of the TMJ is a reliable and effective procedure for the articular dysfunction associated with DP because this procedure alleviates pain and improves mouth opening. Patients with SMA perforations are better candidates for this surgical treatment.

Lateral pterygoid muscle dystonia. A new technique for treatment with botulinum toxin guided by electromyography and arthroscopy

Lateral pterygoid muscle dystonia is characterized by mandibular displacement towards the opposite side of the affected muscle. It may be associated with functional disorders affecting speech, swallowing, chewing and facial symmetry. Injection with botulinum toxin is recognized as the most effective treatment. Locating the lower head of the lateral pterygoid muscle for the injection is not difficult using electromyographic guidance; however, location of the upper head is more complicated, even with electromyography. We report a case of lateral pterygoidmuscle dystonia in which precise injection of the upper head was achieved with the aid of arthroscopy (AU)

Lateral pterygoid muscle dystonia. A new technique for treatment with botulinum toxin guided by electromyography and arthroscopy.

Lateral pterygoid muscle dystonia is characterized by mandibular displacement towards the opposite side of the affected muscle. It may be associated with functional disorders affecting speech, swallowing, chewing and facial symmetry. Injection with botulinum toxin is recognized as the most effective treatment. Locating the lower head of the lateral pterygoid muscle for the injection is not difficult using electromyographic guidance; however, location of the upper head is more complicated, even with electromyography. We report a case of lateral pterygoid muscle dystonia in which precise injection of the upper head was achieved with the aid of arthroscopy.

Bifocal transport osteogenesis for the reconstruction of adult calvarial defects: a new surgical technique.

Calvarial defects are common problems in craniofacial surgery. They may be explained by surgical interventions, infectious processes, cranial trauma or congenital anomalies. Calvarial defects are particularly challenging because they do not heal spontaneously in humans older than 24 months. The feasibility of using bifocal transport distraction osteogenesis to repair calvarial defects has been successfully evaluated in numerous experimental models. To our knowledge, it has not been used for the reconstruction of human skull defects. We report the first case of human calvarial defect healed by transport distraction osteogenesis.

Preprosthetic and implantological surgery in patients with severe maxillary atrophy.

AIMS: To evaluate the success of the osseointegration of dental implants in patients with severe maxillary atrophy after sinus lift augmentation and onlay graft surgery with autologous bone grafts. DESIGN: A descriptive and analytic study of 27 patients with severe maxillary atrophy and partial or total edentulism, after 4 years follow-up. All cases underwent to autologous bone graft sinus lift augmentation with or without onlay grafts in the anterior maxillae. After this, reconstruction with osseointegrated implants was performed. RESULTS: After the follow-up period, 89.1% of implants were osseointegrated and loaded. Anterior iliac crest bone graft provides good results with respect to implant osseointegration. The achievement of two surgical procedures for bone grafts surgery and implants surgery, separated 2 or more months, provides better results for osseointegration in comparison to a sole surgical procedure (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Implants survival predictability is greater when a second surgical procedure is performed, once bone grafts have experimented an appropriate consolidation. The use of onlay graft and sinus lift augmentation techniques is useful in the resolution of complex problems such as the severe maxillary atrophy.

Cirugía preprotésica e implantológica en pacientes con atrofia maxilar severa / Preprosthetic and implantological surgery in patients with severe maxillary atrophy

Objetivos. Valoración del éxito en la osteointegración de los implantes dentales en pacientes con atrofia maxilar severa sometidos a cirugía de elevación de seno maxilar y técnica por aposición mediante el uso de injertos de hueso autólogo.Diseño del estudio. Se realiza estudio descriptivo y analítico de 27 pacientes con atrofia maxilar severa y edentulismo parcial o total, durante 4 años de seguimiento. Todos los casos fueron tratados mediante cirugía con utilización de injertos óseos autólogos para la elevación de seno maxilar unida o no a injerto óseo por aposición para el tratamiento del maxilar anterior, con posterior colocación de implantes osteointegrados.Resultados. Al final del periodo de seguimiento un 89,1% de los implantes se encuentra osteointegrado y cargado. El injerto óseo de cresta ilíaca anterior aporta unos resultados óptimos en cuanto a osteointegración implantaria. La realización de dos tiempos quirúrgicos separados entre sí 2 o más meses para la cirugía de injertos óseos y para la cirugía implantológica aporta un mayor porcentaje de osteointegración de los implantes en comparación con la realización de un único tiempo quirúrgico (p<0,01).Conclusiones. El grado de predictibilidad en la supervivencia de los implantes es mayor cuando se colocan en un segundo tiempo quirúrgico, una vez que se ha producido la correcta consolidación de los injertos óseos. El empleo de las técnicas de injerto óseo autólogo por aposición y elevación de seno maxilar y posterior colocación de implantes se muestra eficaz en la resolución de problemas complejos como la atrofia maxilar severa

Aims. To evaluate the success of the osseointegration of dental implants in patients with severe maxillary atrophy after sinus lift augmentation and onlay graft surgery with autologous bone grafts. Design. A descriptive and analytic study of 27 patients with severe maxillary atrophy and partial or total edentulism, after 4 years follow-up. All cases underwent to autologous bone graft sinus lift augmentation with or without onlay grafts in the anterior maxillae. After this, reconstruction with osseointegrated implants was performed. Results. After the follow-up period, 89.1% of implants were osseointegrated and loaded. Anterior iliac crest bone graft provides good results with respect to implant osseointegration. The achievement of two surgical procedures for bone grafts surgery and implants surgery, separated 2 or more months, provides better results for osseointegration in comparison to a sole surgical procedure (p<0.01). Conclusions. Implants survival predictability is greater when a second surgical procedure is performed, once bone grafts have experimented an appropriate consolidation. The use of onlay graft and sinus lift augmentation techniques is useful in the resolution of complex problems such as the severe maxillary atrophy