Immediate reconstruction of the mandible after resection for aggressive odontogenic tumours: a cohort study

The results are reported of a clinical follow-up study on 32 selected but consecutive patients with mandibular ameloblastoma. They were all treated by a segmental resection and reconstructed, using two 2.3 mm reconstruction plates and an autogenous particulate bone graft, taken from the anterior iliac crest, and platelet rich plasma. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 39 months, with an average of 27.9 months. Undisturbed healing occurred in 29 patients, while three had postoperative infections, but in only one case did that result in failure of the graft. The patients' appreciation was measured using an adapted quality of life questionnaire. The results were compared with a similar group who did not undergo reconstruction. The eating of solid food, appearance and speech were considerably better in the reconstructed group. The conclusion is that this means of reconstruction is appropriate for patients with benign but aggressive odontogenic tumours of the mandible, particularly in developing countries, since the expenses seem to be affordable.