Reconstruction of the defective mandible

In a clinical material consisting of 31 cases of mandibular defects, caused by tumour resection or by trauma, reconstruction has been carried out by means of a stabilizing titanium splint and autologous bone and marrow transplantation, the longest period of observation being 9 years. The functional results obtained are assessed with reference to the cause of resection. Different technical procedures are described and the objectives and the planning of reconstruction of the lower jaw are discussed.