Flapless placement of zygomatic implants using dynamic navigation: an innovative technical note

Bhalerao, A., Marimuthu, M., Wahab, A. and Ayoub, A. (2023) Flapless placement of zygomatic implants using dynamic navigation: an innovative technical note. British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 61(2), pp. 136-140. (doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2022.11.282) (PMID:36658061)

Abstract

Zygomatic implants are routinely used for the rehabilitation of the midface and edentulous maxilla; the procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia and requires the direct lifting of the Schneiderian membrane. A prefabricated surgical guide is usually used to direct the position of the zygomatic implants during surgery. This proof-of-concept study explored an innovative flapless approach for placement of zygomatic implants guided by dynamic navigation. Under local anaesthesia eight zygomatic implants were placed using a flapless technique. The preplanned position of zygomatic implants was transferred to the operating theatre using dynamic navigation, which guided the sinus lift procedure and the planned osteotomy. Operative complications were recorded, the accuracy of the implant position was measured and postoperative morbidities including pain and swelling were evaluated. Surgical complications were minimal, the Schneiderian membrane was intact in all the cases except one which required the application of resorbable collagen membrane. Satisfactory accuracy was achieved regarding the precision of implant position and angulation. One of the patients developed maxillary sinusitis three months following surgery. Postoperative pain and swelling were minimal. The dynamic navigation guided flapless placement of zygomatic implants under local anaesthesia is a feasible technique with minimal surgical complications and postoperative morbidities.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ayoub, Professor Ashraf
• Authors: Bhalerao, A., Marimuthu, M., Wahab, A., and Ayoub, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0266-4356
• ISSN (Online): 1532-1940
• Published Online: 09 December 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 61(2): 136-140
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License