[Mandibular reconstruction with a free avascular iliac crest transplant]

119 avascular osseous transplants from the iliac crest were used for mandibular reconstruction. In case of irradiation we prepared the region of transplantation by using myocutaneous flaps. We lost 2.5% of our transplants. Analysing the orthopantomogram after a special method regarding reproducibility, we found a loss of height of the transplant of about 30% in the middle term. During rigid fixation of the transplant in the first 3 month, there was the biggest loss of height. Transplants ending free in the region of the TMJ showed less consistency than transplants interposed between original mandibular bone.