Nonvascularized bone grafting for mandibular reconstruction: myth or reality?

This retrospective study analyzes the long-term results and complications of mandibular reconstruction with nonvascularized bone grafts (NVBGs) and suggests refinements. A total of 166 patients underwent mandibular ablation and primary reconstruction between June 1990 and August 2009, of which 101 were NVBGs, 27 were vascularized bone grafts, and 38 were with functional plate reconstruction. Eighty-seven of 101 patients undergoing NVBG, having all records and followed up for a minimum of 12 months, were included in this study. The analysis criteria included site of defect, surgical approach, method of graft fixation, bony continuity and stability, presence or absence of infection, aesthetic and functional prosthetic rehabilitation, donor-site morbidity, and clinical and radiological changes in the reconstructed area.The overall success with NVBGs in our study was 77 (88.5%) of 87. We used ilium in 68 cases (78.16%), fibula in 16 cases (18.39%), and rib in 3 cases (3.44%). Ten cases (11.5%) showed complete failure due to infection (7 cases) and resorption (3 cases).Nonvascularized bone grafts could be used judiciously for reconstruction of selective mandibular resection defects where there is not much of soft tissue loss, or where 2-layer watertight closure can be achieved intraorally and extraorally. Where only a single-layer intraoral closure is anticipated, either additional soft tissue should be brought submucosally or there should not be extraoral-intraoral communication even during surgery. Also precise patient selection, surgical planning, and execution with meticulous nursing care are keys to success.