IMMEDIATE RECONSTRUCTION FOLLOWING MAXILLECTOMY - A NEW METHOD

A new method for immediate reconstruction of the maxilla after resecti on is described. The ipsilateral pedicled temporalis muscle is tunnele d into the defect and sagittally split into two layers. The inner laye r is used to line the nasal side. An individually shaped titanium mesh , tightly filled with free autogenous corticocancellous bone, is fixed by titanium screws to the remnant of the zygoma and contralateral max illa. The outer layer of the split muscle covers the reconstruction, t he temporalis fascia forming the oral side. The method resulted in goo d cosmetic appearance and permitted the re-creation of a maxillary alv eolar ridge suitable for endosseous implants or a simple prosthesis.