RECONSTRUCTION OF THE MANDIBLE WITH CONVENTIONAL BONE-GRAFT - AN EVALUATION

Eighteen patients with bony defects of the mandible had the mandible r econstructed using conventional nonvascularized bone grafts from the i liac crest. After surgery they received radiotherapy for cancer in the oropharynx or oral cavity. This study was carried out over a 10-year period. All patients were followed-up both for their tumour growth and the results of their reconstruction. Four to 10 years after surgery 5 5.5 per cent were alive and well. Full dental rehabilitation was achie ved in 33 percent and 12.5 percent were without dental rehabilitation.