Vascularized options for reconstruction of the mandibular condyle

The temporomandibular joint is elegant in its design, which may make it difficult if not impossible to comprehensively reconstruct. Although a broad range of nonvascularized options exists for reconstruction of degenerative conditions of the temporomandibular joint, vascularized reconstructions such as the fibula or the second metatarsal phalangeal joint are more appropriate for defects resulting from oncologic resection or in patients with compromised soft tissue. An anatomically based classification system for these defects is presented.