CLASSIFICATION OF MANDIBULAR DEFECTS

A classification of mandibular defects based on functional as well as aesthetic factors is presented. By taking into account the difficultie s in restoring form and function and not simply relying on traditional anatomic landmarks, it is hoped that this method will allow different types of reconstructions to be fairly evaluated. It also should help surgeons to tailor individual reconstructive techniques to specific cl inical situations. Major difficulties in mandibular reconstruction ari se when a condyle requires replacement, when there is a mucosal and/or skin component to the defect, and when the area to be reconstructed i nvolves the anterior arch. The classification is based on three upper- case and three lower-case characters: H, C, L and o, m, s. H defects a re lateral defects of any length, including the condyle but not signif icantly crossing the midline; L defects are the same only without the condyle; C defects consist of the entire central segment containing th e four incisors and the two canines. Combinations of these letters are possible (an angle-to-angle defect, for example, is represented as LC L). Thus H and L defects may reach or even extend slightly beyond the midline but are not referred to as LC or HC unless they contain the en tire central segment. The letters o (neither a skin nor a mucosal comp onent), s (skin), m (mucosa), and sm (skin plus mucosa) are added to d enote the epithelial requirement.