The current status of mandibular reconstruction using autogenous frozen mandibular grafts

A review of recent developments in experimental canine surgery using autogenous frozen grafts for mandibular reconstruction has elicited enthusiasm for their human application in cancer surgery. They do reossify, even under adverse conditions of perioperative irradiation, to regenerate a mandibular graft in the dog. Our experience with six patients who underwent immediate autogenous mandibular graft reconstruction is dismal. All failed because of intraoral complications; none evidenced recurrence of tumor in bone. A delayed procedure, in which revascularization of the midportion of the bone graft may be improved, may prevent many of these problems.