[Results of free and vascularized bone grafts in reconstructing mandibular defects]

In 105 patients with composite resections of the mandible different reconstructive approaches were studied. In 63% the defect was bridged with metal plates alone, in 15% free grafts, and in 22% microvascular bone grafts were used. The high failure rate of free grafts (48%) was contrasted by the low rate (8%) of vascularized grafts lost. Resorption of vascularized grafts was not observed where the anastomoses remained patent.