Sliding Osteotomies in Mandibular Reconstruction

The aim of this article is to describe a few simple and atraumatic methods for mandibular reconstruction following the ablation of tumors or traumas. These reconstruction techniques are indicated for rebuilding short mandibular defects (less than 4 cm) or for patients in poor general condition with larger defects that cannot be remedied using longer and more complicated procedures. Five types of osteotomies were used“C,” single, double, bilateral sliding, and sagittal sliding.Osteotomies were performed on 14 patients, 13 with malignant tumors and one with a gunshot wound. Good results were obtained in 10 patients, total failure occurred in two, and complications without failure of the reconstruction arose in the other two. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 1071107, 2001.)