The coronoid process for paranasal augmentation in the correction of midfacial concavity

Objective. The coronoid process can be easily harvested as a donor bone by an intraoral approach during orthognathic surgery, especially during mandib ular ramus surgery. This study was performed to provide an objective assess ment of the coronoid process as a candidate material for paranasal augmenta tion. Study design. The dimensions of the coronoid process and the paranasal area were directly measured in 15 dry skulls. Based on these data, the coronoid process was used for a paranasal augmentation in 54 patients. Results. The size and shape of the coronoid process was found suitable for paranasal augmentation; its thickness was 5.4 +/- 0.8 mm on the right and 5 .8 +/- 1.2 mm on the left. All patients showed improved facial esthetics wi thout complications when followed up for more than 12 months. Conclusion. The coronoid process seems to be suitable for paranasal augment ation in the dry skull study. Its clinical application is also favorable be cause its size and morphology fits into the paranasal region, with the addi tional advantages of biocompatibility, availability, and reduced operation time for harvesting.