Outcome Assessment for Surgical Reconstruction of Mandibular Continuity Defects

Mandibular continuity defects are associated with multiple functional and esthetic problems. Nonvascularized bone grafting is one of several surgical corrective techniques for such defects with good success predictability. This retrospective clinical study reviewed the outcome of this technique when applied in its 2 protocol variations while minimizing the effect of as many confounding factors as possible through the application of strict eligibility criteria. The surgical records of 16 patients constituted the final sample: 10 patients in the one-stage and 6 patients in the two-stage reconstruction groups. It was found that mandibular reconstruction with nonvascularized bone graft is a good first option as well as a viable alternative in the absence of free flap procedure facilities. Patients' initial expectations should be a crucial factor in deciding the appropriate surgical treatment protocol form the early planning stage. Standardizing success parameters in such cases could further improve objectivity and allow for multi-center research data pooling with reduced effect of heterogeneity featuring these complex injuries.