Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
09:14
Surgical Approach to Full Soft Tissue Face Allograft Procurement for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Published on: December 30, 2025
Maxilla allograft for transplantation: an anatomical study
Ilker Yazici1, Tarik Cavusoglu, Ayhan Comert
1Kirikkale University School of Medicine, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kirikkale, Turkey.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|June 27, 2008
Summary
This study presents a novel dissection technique for harvesting vascularized maxilla grafts for transplantation. The method ensures the graft
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Anatomical Research
- Transplantation Surgery
Background:
- Maxilla reconstruction often requires grafts.
- Standard grafting techniques can be complex.
- Vascularized grafts improve outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an anatomical study and dissection technique for maxilla graft preparation.
- To detail a method for harvesting a vascularized maxilla graft for transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of maxilla grafts from six adult human cadavers.
- Retrospective review of 10 MRI and 5 angiographies of the maxillary region.
- Anatomical demonstration of vascular and soft tissue structures.
Main Results:
- Successful harvesting of a single-unit maxilla graft (Le Fort II type) with intact arterial and venous pedicles.
- MRI identified vascular structures within the masticatory space and pterygomaxillary extension.
- Angiography confirmed arterial supply within the harvested pterygomaxillary region.
Conclusions:
- A reliable method for harvesting maxilla grafts with preserved vascular supply is presented.
- The technique utilizes specific anatomical landmarks for vascular pedicle identification.
- This approach facilitates transplantation of well-vascularized maxilla segments.
