Atlas of Cases

Regular radiologic examinations are essential in follow-up of bone grafts. Radiologic examination contributes to the evaluation of bone healing and complications such as infection or graft failure. It is possible to recognize signs of infection 2 weeks after surgery.1 Early graft failure can be diagnosed 1 month postoperatively.2 In nonvascular grafts, some degree of bone resorption regularly appears. Slight resorption, where the height of the graft diminishes 0% to 15% within the first 3 months, is a reliable sign of good healing. Massive resorption exceeding 30% always indicates graft failure. Moderate graft resorption of 15% to 30% may appear for several reasons, but it always indicates the need for thorough and frequent follow-up and should lead to an active treatment of the problems.2