Osteomyelitis-Induced Sequester of Bovine-Derived Bone Mineral/Host Bone Composite 8 Years Post-Sinus Graft: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Sinus grafts are a safe and predictable treatment for increasing bone volume in the posterior maxilla. Common complications include membrane perforations and postoperative infection. Little is published with regard to late-onset infection except as it relates to periimplantitis. This report presents a case of late sequestration of bovine bone mineral graft fully consolidated within host lamellar bone, 8 years postsinus lift. Histology revealed mature lamellar bone encapsulating well-integrated particles of bovine bone material with evidence of devitalization and marrow spaces filled with a dense neutrophil infiltrate and a filamentous mixed microbial flora.

RESULT: A histological diagnosis of osteomyelitis was given on analysis of the integrated bovine bone mineral sequester, 8 years after successful integration and functional loading.

CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded from this case report that there is a potential for breakdown and sequestration of bovine bone mineral/host bone composite grafts long after successful integration and consolidation.