FUNCTIONAL RECONSTRUCTION OF THE MANDIBLE - A MODIFIED TITANIUM MESH SYSTEM

This paper describes a method for mandibular reconstruction utilizing autogenous cancellous bone in a titanium mesh. The mesh is designed pr eoperatively based on a duplicate of the patient's mandible which is m odified to simulate an anatomically correct edentulous segment in the region to be reconstructed. The duplicate mandible is articulated with a maxillary dental cast, and a locating splint is fabricated for intr aoperative use to aid the positioning of the mesh in relation to the u pper teeth. The method facilitates future rehabilitation with dental i mplants and results in a symmetric and highly functional reconstructio n of the mandible.