Remodeling of Costochondral Graft After Mandibular Reconstruction

Mandibular tumors are rare in children. Most mandibular tumors in children are benign and locally aggressive, and some might require resection to prevent recurrence. Mandibular reconstruction after tumor resection in children has been less documented in published studies than mandibular reconstruction in adults. In children, age, the growth potential of the mandible, and the donor site are important factors that must be considered. The costochondral graft is an option for reconstruction of the resected portion of the mandible in children, especially when the resection involves the condyle, owing to its biologic and anatomic similarity to the temporomandibular joint and its regenerative and growth potential. The objective of the present case report is to present the unusual remodeling of a nonvascularized costochondral graft after mandibular resection in a pediatric patient.