title: Immediate reconstruction of mandibular defects: a retrospective report of 242 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of routine protocols in immediate mandibular reconstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 242 patients who underwent immediate mandibular reconstruction were reviewed retrospectively. The therapeutic evaluation was performed according to outcomes of clinical and radiographic examination. The evaluated contents included facial symmetry, degree of mouth opening, occlusal relationship, and temporomandibular joint symptoms. Statistical analysis was also carried out to compare therapeutic differences between different methods for mandibular reconstruction. SPSS 10.0 for Windows was used for statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The follow-up showed satisfactory long-term outcome in 203 patients. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in restoration of facial contour among several groups (chi(2) 0.05(15) = 21.93; P = .109 > .05). Ten cases involved serious postoperative complications, including local infection, exposure of rigid fixation plate, and serious pain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings indicate that autogenous bone graft is the best for reconstruction of small mandibular defects. Frozen autogenous lesional mandible plus autogenous iliac or rib graft is recommended for reconstruction of large defects in the mandible. Strict patient selection, careful surgical procedure, and appropriate preoperative and postoperative nursing care are key factors in successful transplantation.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. lizubing540827@yahoo.com.cn
authors: Zubing
authors: Z
authors: Li
authors: Yifang
authors: Y
authors: Zhao
authors: Sheng
authors: S
authors: Yao
authors: Jihong
authors: J
authors: Zhao
authors: Shibin
authors: S
authors: Yu
authors: Wenfeng
authors: W
authors: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D008338:Mandibular Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome