Reconstruction of major defects of the jaws

Prosthetic replacements in the 19th and early 20th century were superseded by pedicled flaps and obturators. These have subsequently been superseded by free tissue transfer which currently is the mainstay of reconstructive jaw surgery. Although malignant and benign processes of the jaws are the predominant cause of segmental defects, a significant proportion still occurs due to trauma, or even iatrogenic causes such as radiotherapy. The varied aetiologies demand a nuanced approach to reconstruction and although the techniques remain similar the timing can be quite different. The maxilla and the mandible are both amenable to composite reconstruction with bone. The fibula, iliac crest, scapula, distal radius and medial femoral condyle are the most commonly utilised donor sites for vascularised reconstruction. Each has strengths and weaknesses and the requirements of the defect, and patient preference should outweigh surgeon preference. Osseointegrated implants allow reliable rehabilitation of the dentition by anchoring facial prostheses. Their integration into composite flaps is highly reliable although soft tissue management can be challenging. Virtual surgical planning and 3D printing have already impacted on the surgical workflow and improved the reliability and accuracy of results. If this technology can be applied to tissue typing and human tissue (instead of just plastic and metal) a fully prefabricated and vascularised jaw without donor site morbidity would be the ultimate aim.