Free vascularized bone grafts for reconstruction of traumatic bony defectsof mandible and maxilla

Small bone defects of the mandible and maxilla can be surgically treated wi th conventional bone grafts provided local conditions are optimal for bone healing. However, when the bone defect is large, is associated with soft ti ssue loss, or when conventional bone grafting fails, a free vascularized bo ne graft often becomes an important alternative to ensure adequate healing. As free vascularized bone grafting is today considered a more reliable pro cedure for bone reconstruction, with success rates over 96%, we prefer to t reat even smaller segmental bone defects with this technique when local con ditions are less than ideal. The technique also allows for simultaneous ins ertion of osteointegrated dental implants at the time of vascularized bone grafting, thereby facilitating earlier total oral rehabilitation.