The Interproximally Connected Flap to Treat Intrabony Defects: Case Reports

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate a novel surgical procedure: the interproximally connected flap. This technique is intended to prevent membrane exposure by maintaining the integrity of the interproximal soft tissues in the treatment of deep intrabony defects, in conjunction with the use of nonresorbable barrier membranes, thereby increasing the space for hard and soft tissue regeneration. Eleven patients (11 defects) were treated with this new flap design, which avoided any type of incisions in the interproximal tissues of the defect-associated papillae. Primary closure over the titanium-reinforced membrane was achieved in 100% of defects at baseline, with no exposures occurring during the 4-month healing period. The difference between baseline and 1-year probing pocket depths and probing attachment levels was clinically significant.