[Reconstruction of the mandible using a vascularized graft from the iliac bone]

Twelve vascularized iliac crest free-tissue transfers were used for oromandibular reconstruction, 2 as osteocutaneous and 10 as osseous flaps. Two patients had preoperative radiotherapy. Nine of the 12 reconstruction were carried out primarily, following radical surgery for oral cancer. One graft was lost by venous thrombosis. Evidence of bone union was noted in 11 patients, and no pseudoarthrosis was observed. The main advantage of this method is the availability of a large bloc of living composite tissue and both the functional and cosmetic results should be improved in patients undergoing resection of the anterior part of the mandible.