Bone Shell Technique with Relocated Crestal Ridge Segment for Anterior Horizontal Mandibular Ridge Atrophy: A Case Series.

This article presents a preliminary case series evaluating a novel bone shell technique (BST) for horizontal ridge augmentation in edentulous patients with severe anterior mandibular ridge atrophy and adequate ridge height. The technique involves relocating the crestal ridge segment (CRS) of the knife-edge ridge as an autogenous cortical bone shell scaffold, combined with particulate bone grafting, to restore ridge volume and enable implant placement. In five patients (20 sites) followed for 1 to 4 years, the method achieved average horizontal bone gains of approximately 3.6 mm at 1 mm and 3.4 mm at 5 mm below the new ridge crest, with successful implant placement in all cases and minimal complications. Advantages include using the same site as donor and recipient, avoiding major anatomical structures, reducing wound tension, and eliminating the need for periosteal releasing incisions. The authors note the technique's applicability is limited to ridges with sufficient height and planned vertical reduction and recommend further studies to confirm these findings.