Post mortem recovery of mandibular osseous graft with cellulose acetate filter. A case report

A surgical procedure was performed to re-establish both aesthetics and functional form to a post partial mandibulectomy patient. A particulate, autogenous osseous graft from the hip was supported by a mandibular tantalum splint lined with a cellulose acetate filter. The patient developed metastatic carcinoma in the donor graft site and lung. The mandibular graft and supporting tissue was removed postmortem and examined histologically. It was observed that normal bone reconstruction was taking place and that union of mandibular bone and graft was evident. Secondary squamous cell carcinoma had invaded the symphysis area of the graft. It is also of interest to note that the tumour was mot able to penetrate those areas where the cellulose acetate filter was present.