Zygomatic Implant Length Measurement Without Excessive Flap Release: A Human Cadaver Study

Abstract

One of the most important steps in zygomatic implant surgery is to determine the implant length. This cadaver study aims to identify an alternative technique for determining the length of the implant in zygoma surgery without excessive elevation of the flap. A total of 30 cadavers were included in this study. Measurements were made with a probe by seeing the exit point of the drills from the lateral aspect of the zygomatic bone. Secondly, without excessive flap release, the distance that the depth probe first raises the skin over the lateral border of the zygoma is measured. The average difference between the measurements made without excessive elevation of the flap and with a retractor placed on the zygomaticofrontal notch was found to be 5.41 ± 0.94 mm (range: 5–7.5 mm). According to the results of this study, the zygomatic implant should be placed at least 5 mm shorter than the length at which the depth probe first raises the skin over the lateral border of the zygomatic bone.