Stepwise osteotomy protocol for zygomatic implant placement under navigation in patients with extra-sinus trajectory

Abstract

This technical note describes a stepwise osteotomy for zygomatic implant placement with an extra-sinus trajectory under navigation using virtual markers for registration. The stepwise osteotomy protocol divides the trajectory of the zygomatic implant osteotomy into three consecutive co-axial components. The aim is to achieve better control of the osteotomy under navigation and to minimize or eliminate any intermittent free-hand drilling. The stepwise osteotomy protocol facilitates the use of shorter drills to finish the zygomatic implant osteotomy at the entry location before switching back to the long drill to complete the whole osteotomy. This protocol has been applied in a patient and the preliminary result is promising. However, the clinical effectiveness of this approach requires further investigation in prospective clinical studies.