INDICATIONS FOR THE AO PLATE WITH A MYOCUTANEOUS FLAP INSTEAD OF REVASCULARIZED TISSUE TRANSFER FOR MANDIBULAR RECONSTRUCTION

Our preferred technique for mandibular reconstruction uses a revascula rized osseomyocutaneous flap. However, to reconstruct small lateral de fects in dentulous patients, the AO mandibular reconstruction plate (M RP) is used. Its advantages include quick, reliable placement without a donor site or the need for advanced technical training. This review examines 16 patients who underwent primary mandibular reconstruction a fter ablative oncologic surgery using an AO MRP without a bone graft. The average follow-up was 32 months. Twelve patients (75%) had success ful reconstructions, while 4 (25%) developed serious complications res ulting in failure of the MRP. The most significant factor limiting reh abilitation was disease progression, affecting 12 (75%) of the 16 pati ents. In this subgroup of selected patients with small (<6 cm) lateral mandibular defects, useful dentition, and advanced disease, or whose general medical condition precludes prolonged general anesthesia, prim ary mandibular reconstruction using an AO MRP and a myocutaneous flap without a bone graft is a viable reconstructive alternative.