The surgical registry was reviewed For mandibular reconstruction from
1988 to 1992. During this time, 51 patients underwent mandibular recon
struction. Of this group, 17 patients had their microvascular bone gra
fts secured with lag-screw fixation. An AO technique, utilizing 2.7-mm
cortical screws, was used to provide rigid fixation. Mandibular defec
ts ranged from 6 to 20 cm. AO vascularized bone grafts were studied wi
th bone scans and remained viable. Follow-up revealed no flap losses o
r oral cutaneous fistulae. Lag-screw Fixation, in conjunction with man
dibular reconstruction, results in rigid fixation, obviates the need f
or mandibulamaxillary fixation, has the advantage of ease of applicati
on, and is safe to use.