Improvement of fibrosed scar tissue elongation using self-inflatable expander

초록

We evaluated a self-inflatable osmotic tissue expander for its utility in creating sufficient soft tissue elongation for primary closure after bone grafting. Six patients with alveolar defects who required vertical augmentation of >6 mm before implant placement were enrolled. All had more than three prior surgeries, and flap advancement for primary coverage was restricted by severely fibrosed scars. Expanders were inserted beneath the flap and fixed with a screw. After 4 weeks, expander removal and bone grafting were performed simultaneously. A vertical block autograft and guided bone regeneration and distraction osteogenesis were performed. Expansion was sufficient to cover the grafted area without additional periosteal incision. Complications included mucosal perforation and displacement of the expander. All augmentation procedures healed uneventfully and the osseous implants were successfully placed. The tissue expander may facilitate primary closure by increasing soft tissue volume. In our experience, this device is effective, rapid, and minimally invasive, especially in fibrous scar tissue.

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