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Yerit KC, Posch M et al. J Clin Oral Impl Res 2004; 15: 693–699

In 36 patients with severe maxillary alveolar atrophy, horseshoe Le Fort I osteotomy was performed with iliac crest graft interposition. In 12 patients, 100 implants were placed at the same operation (Group A), and in another 23 patients, 224 implants were placed 6-9 months later (Group B). Implant-supported overdentures were provided for all patients.

In Group A, patients were monitored for a mean 109 months (range 61-141), and in Group B, for 60 months (0.5-136). Group A 2-year failure-free rate was 96%, and Group B, 95%; respective 5-year rates were 97% and 91% (between group P = 0.57). In Group A, 14 implants were lost in 6 patients, and in Group B, 15 in 11. Eight implants were lost at the stage 2 surgery through failure of osseointegration, and the remaining 21 were lost between 1 and 9 yrs after implantation for a variety of reasons.

There were minor complications of sinusitis in 3 patients, one of them 6 years after surgery. Subsequently, 26 patients answered a questionnaire; all were satisfied with the procedure, with a few minor complaints.