title: Enhancement of rehabilitation by use of implantable adjuncts with vascularized bone grafts for mandible reconstruction.
abstract: Restoration of mandibular continuity after trauma or cancer by means of vascularized bone grafts, as described by Taylor and coworkers in 1979, has become an established method of oral rehabilitation. Still considered by some an endpoint in reconstruction, we have found that the judicious application of newly described dental prosthetic materials can provide the patient with improved appearance and function associated with a fully restored mandible. Twelve patients who underwent vascularized bone grafting for mandibular reconstruction had adjunctive implantation to improve either dentition or to reconstruct the temporomandibular joint. Nine patients had dental implants to restore permanent stable dentition either by placement of the mandibular bone staple plate or osseointegrated implants. Three additional patients underwent placement of metallic condylar head prostheses placed on the vascularized bone graft at the time of transfer. These patients demonstrated good mastication and an excellent incisal opening which was maintained in the late postoperative period. Vascularized bone transfer for restoration of continuity of the mandible should not be considered an endpoint in and of itself. By using implantable dental devices to restore dentition and condylar head prostheses to improve both the aesthetic result and function of the mandible to complement the vascularized osteocutaneous flap, we can bring our patients closer to the goal of total rehabilitation. The majority of these patients would otherwise never have been offered a chance at restoration of dentition. All had beneficial effects with regard to mastication and the majority also had improved speech.
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D016025:Bone Transplantation; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000601:surgery