Tumors, lesions, and pathologies in the midface often cause extensive damage to the mandible, complicating reconstruction and significantly impacting patients' lives. Reconstruction using microvascularized free bone grafts is preferred for extensive maxillomandibular defects, as it provides superior outcomes compared to non-vascularized methods. Therefore, this integrative literature review aims to critically analyze and synthesize the key issues surrounding the use of microvascularized bone flaps in maxillofacial reconstructions. The research was conducted in July 2024 using PubMed, BVS, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, covering a five-year period. Indexed descriptors from DeCS/MeSH, including "Bone Transplantation," "Mandibular Reconstruction," "Treatment Outcome," "Free Tissue," and "Fibula, Ilium," were employed and combined using Boolean operators (AND and OR), adapting them to the specificities of each database. Articles in English, Portuguese, or Spanish were selected, including clinical trials and cohort studies. This review adhered to the guidelines of the Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The majority of the studies were retrospective cohort studies, providing a high level of evidence. They investigated vascularized free flaps, evaluating post-treatment characteristics, risk factors for complications or failures, and the influence of antibiotic therapy using demographic data, medical history, surgical data, imaging studies, and patient habits. Mandibular and maxillary reconstruction following trauma is crucial to restoring masticatory function, speech, and facial aesthetics. The use of microvascularized free bone grafts has significantly advanced, improving the form and function of the face and playing a critical role in patients' oral and functional rehabilitation.
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