title: Central resorption in an iliac crest transplant with microvascular anastomosis--report of 2 cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The microvascular iliac crest flap is preferred for repair of segmental mandibular defects. Its viability and constant size are regarded as a great advantage for oral rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two patients with oral cancer and recurrent keratocyst underwent mandibular reconstruction with an iliac crest transplant. Wound healing was uneventful.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several years after reconstruction we noticed complete absence of cancellous bone in the transplants. The cortical aspect consisted of vital bone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Secondary to changes in the blood supply after tissue transfer, microvascular bone transplants may develop complete medullary resorption. Substitution of this central bone is variable and may not happen at all.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery of Head and Neck, University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany. michael.krimmel@med.uni-tuebingen.de
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krimmel
authors.forename: Jürgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zerfowski
authors.forename: Siegmar
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reinert
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000209:etiology*; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007085:Ilium / Q000637:transplantation; D007570:Jaw Cysts / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008875:Middle Aged; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*