Reconstruction of isolated mandibular bone defects with non-vascularized corticocancellous bone autograft and graft viability

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to discuss the use of non-vascularized bone grafts in mandibular reconstruction and their viability. Methods In this study, 11 patients with mandibular defect treated by surgery using non-vascularized bone grafts between 2011 and 2012 were reviewed. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative 3-dimensional computerized tomography scan for surgical planning and evaluation of success after surgery. Grafts were used for defects caused by mandible tumors in 2 patients and firearm injuries in 9 patients. Reconstruction was achieved by using various non-vascularized bones, including iliac crest, fibula and scapula. To improve graft supply, periosteum of the grafts was spared and multiple bores were created on the graft during surgery by drilling. At the postoperative period, Dextran 70 and Bencyclane Hydrogen Fumarate was given in order to enhance micro-circulation. On the postoperative day 5, 15 and 30, Tc-99 m methylenediphosphonate scintigraph, blood-pool single photon emission computed tomography and it's bone phase were performed in order to assess viability of bone grafts greater than 3 cm. Results Mean age was 32. 27 ± 13.33 (min = 10–max = 56). Of the 11 patients, 10 (90. 9%) were men and 1 (9. 1%) was woman. Mandibular defects were at right corpus in 3 patients; at right ramus and angulus in 1 patient; at left corpus in 1 patient; at left ramus and angulus in 1 patient; at left ramus, angulus and corpus in 1 patient; left parasymphysis in 1 patient; at bilateral corpus in 1 patient; at symphysis in 1 patient and at whole segment from right corpus to left one in 1 patient. The following grafts were used: iliac crest grafts in 9 cases, scapula graft in 1 case and fibula graft in 1 case. The smallest graft used was 1 × 2 cm in size, while the greatest, single piece graft was 7 cm in size. The greatest multi-piece graft was a fibula graft of 14 cm in length. All grafts with a size of 3 and 7 cm had been supplied at the end of first month. No bone resorption or donor site morbidity was observed in any patient. Conclusion Non-vascular bone grafts can be successfully used in isolated bone defects of mandible in case of appropriate graft selection for fitting anatomical region. A single piece iliac crest grafts up to 7 cm can be revascularized in long-term.