Secondary lengthening of the reconstructed mandible using a gradual distraction technique--two case reports

We have performed mandibular lengthening to restore oral function in 2 cases after tumour resection. Both cases had already undergone a vascularised fibular graft for mandibular reconstruction and had severe contracture and absence of an alveolar ridge for dentures. Gradual distraction was applied after corticotomy of the fibular bone at 0.9 mm per day. After completion of bone lengthening of 20-30 mm, both patients underwent a split thickness skin graft to obtain a good alveolar ridge for dentures and implants. Osteointegrated implants have since been applied in one of these cases, and the other patient has been able to eat a normal diet using dentures. Gradual distraction is applicable for vascularised bone grafts and useful for restoration of the alveolar ridge to accommodate dentures in cases with severe contracture of the oral space after tumour ablation.