title: Reconstruction of tooth-bearing portion of mandible using polyglactin 910 sutures for internal fixation in the third-world: functional and cosmetic outcome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study analyzed the cosmetic and functional outcome of cases involving reconstruction of tooth-bearing portion of the lower jaw, using a polyglactin 910 suture for fixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective intervention study documented the treatment outcome in 25 consecutive adult patients, who underwent immediate mandibular reconstruction following segmental resection of tooth-bearing portion of mandible. Cortico-cancellous bone graft was taken from the inner table of iliac bone, sparing the crest. Use of post-surgical inter-maxillary fixation was avoided.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-five patients were recruited for the study. Seventeen were males and eight were females. Their ages ranged from 18 to 50 years, with a mean of 30.0 years. Average length of grafted bone was 9.8 cm. Following surgery, all 25 (100%) patients were judged to have satisfactory facial symmetry. One (4.0 %) had altered dental occlusion. Twenty-five (100%) had satisfactory bone union. All of the patients claimed to masticate satisfactorily. Assessment was carried out at the last post-operative follow-up visit for each patient who ranged between 22 and 83 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of polyglactin 910 suture material for fixation in mandibular reconstruction following segmental resection of tooth-bearing portion has proven to be a cosmetic and functional success. It may serve as alternative for those among whom conventional treatment methods may be contraindicated. This method of bone fixation may serve as a reliable and much cheaper alternative in low-income countries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level IV, therapeutic study.
authors: Department of Facial Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria. balukoolokun@gmail.com.
authors: Bayo
authors: B
authors: Aluko-Olokun
authors: Department of Facial Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.
authors: Ademola A
authors: AA
authors: Olaitan
authors: Department of Facial Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.
authors: Oluseun A
authors: OA
authors: Aluko-Olokun
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D003906:Developing Countries; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063175:Mandibular Reconstruction / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011098:Polyglactin 910; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013537:Sutures; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011098:Polyglactin 910
keywords: Fixation; Mandibular; Polyglactin 910; Reconstruction