Mandibular reconstruction. Current state of the art

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Mandibular defects present significant reconstructive challenges.
• Current bone grafting techniques vary in efficacy and invasiveness.
• Previous research validates established clinical and animal models for bone grafting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the critical role of surgical planning in bone grafting for mandibular defects.
• To review the fundamental principles essential for successful bone graft procedures.
• To highlight the consequences of procedural failure on graft viability and future interventions.

Main Methods:

• Review of established bone grafting techniques for mandibular reconstruction.
• Analysis of critical success factors based on clinical trials and animal research.
• Identification of principles applicable to both current and experimental grafting methods.

Main Results:

• Surgical planning is paramount, as each failure compromises graft bed vascularity.
• Adherence to core principles significantly increases the likelihood of successful bone graft integration.
• Established principles include patient nutritional status, graft bed preparation, infection control, and graft fixation.

Conclusions:

• Meticulous surgical planning is indispensable for successful mandibular bone grafting.
• Strict adherence to foundational principles ensures optimal graft survival and functional restoration.
• Understanding and applying these principles are vital for achieving predictable reconstructive results.