Reconstruction of a large mandible defect utilizing a full-thickness vascularized calvarial bone graft

Abstract

Historically, mandibular reconstruction has always been a challenging problem. Various methods have been used including alloplasts such as stainless steel and titanium plates, trays filled with bone fragments, vascularized and non-vascularized bone grafts [1, 2]. Most methods have had variable success until the advent of microsurgical techniques. With the high success rate now obtainable utilizing free tissue transfer, mandible reconstruction has become a procedure with a more predictable outcome and most other reconstructive methods have now been abandoned. In spite of this, clinical situations do arise, such as with the case presented, where for one reason or another, microvascular techniques are either not available, not applicable or have failed. A case of mandibular reconstruction using a vascularized full-thickness calvarial bone graft is presented in which the end result was very satisfactory, both aesthetically and functionally.