Bone grafting in maxillofacial trauma

The purpose of this article is to review the recent grafting strategies in maxillofacial trauma.

Recent technological advancements have applications in the management of maxillofacial trauma; advancements in imaging modalities such as 3D imaging can help surgeons in both the preoperative and intraoperative periods. These may be coupled with navigational systems to further facilitate complex reconstructions. 3D printing has been used in reconstruction and 3D, 4D, and 5D bioprinting technologies continue to improve and to find new uses, and stem cells and growth factors in maxillofacial trauma are also among the most studied topics. Maxillofacial traumas have decreased in number during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more conservative approaches have been preferred in COVID pandemic conditions.

Preoperative planning is the most important step in the reconstruction of maxillofacial trauma defects, and early bone and soft tissue reconstructions are recommended in severe maxillofacial traumas. Autogenous grafts are the gold standard in bone grafting. Nonvascularized grafts are planned according to the size, shape, and location of the defect, with vascularized bone flaps preferred in large defects, wide soft tissue defects, and contaminated defects. Alloplastic grafts or xenografts may be used if autogenous grafts are not available.