Primary reconstruction of a long-span hemimandibular defect using non-vascularized bone graft

Abstract

Reconstruction with a vascularized bone graft is the gold standard for the reconstruction of a mandibular defect with a long span. This is, however, a mirage in a developing country with limited expertise and resources. A case of successful reconstruction of a long-span hemimandibular defect with non-vascularized bone graft and bridging plate is hereby presented. A 38-year-old patient had resection of the mandible from tooth no 31 to the mandibular condyle on the left, following a diagnosis of recurrent ameloblastoma. Primary reconstruction was carried out with corticocancellous non-vascularized bone graft from iliac crest and reconstruction plate bridging. Patient has been followed up for 4 years. There is relatively good facial symmetry, functional restoration and radiological evidence of new bone across the defect. Minor complications were recorded. Even though technological advancement has shown the superiority of vascularized bone graft over non-vascularized graft in the reconstruction of a long-span mandibular defect, the latter could still be an option in a resource-limited setting.