[Practically: differential indications of mandibular reconstruction in maxillofacial cancerology]

This study, based on the authors' experience, intends to determine the specific indications of mandibular reconstruction after oncological maxillofacial resections. Mandibular defects without osseous interruption do not necessarily need an osseous reconstruction: the esthetic and functional problems can be resolved using dental osseointegrated implants. On the contrary, mandibular defects with osseous interruption need imperatively an osseous and/or composite reconstruction: the best esthetic and functional results are obtained with an immediate reconstruction by an osseous or osteocutaneous free flap, either from the fibula or the iliac crest. The advantages and the disadvantages of all these reconstruction technics are detailed and largely illustrated.