Major mandibular reconstruction with vascularized bone graft

Abstract

Mandibular reconstruction is one of the most challenging fields in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Deficiencies of the mandible occur in congenital anomalies, trauma, oral and mandibular neoplasms and osteoradionecrosis. Conventional reconstructive aids like bone grafting or insertion of a metallic implant often fail in such situations due to poor local blood supply, deficient oral lining, inadequate skin coverage, large mandibular defects, irradiated fields or infected wounds. A free vascularized bone graft of a osteocutaneous flap overcomes the incompetence of conventional mandible reconstruction. It offers not only a desirable length of vascularized bone, but also has an adequate skin lining for oral mucosa and external tissue deficiencies, as well as a "sandwich reconstruction" for the mandible. The results are usually satisfactory in terms of function and aesthetics. Experience in 8 cases with iliac and scapular osteocutaneous free flaps are presented and discussed in this report. We conclude that a vascularized bone graft, especially the iliac crest, provides reliable and contented results for major mandibular reconstruction.