SS09 - Reconstructing the Mandible: Allografts, Free Flaps and Beyond

The history of mandibular reconstruction following ablative surgery is relatively short. Prior to the innovation of free-tissue transfer, reconstruction was predominately limited to the use of regional pedicled soft-tissue flaps. Following the advent of rigid fixation, this was advanced using a reconstruction plate with or without a bone graft. These techniques were not only unpredictable, physically debilitating and fraught with complications. Even when successful, they left the patient with nonfunctional reconstructions. Contemporary mandibular reconstructive techniques allow the surgeon to perform ablative surgery focusing on oncologic safety and successful tumor margins rather than the size of the defect. These techniques focus on full functional rehabilitation of the patient including return of facial form, function, sensation and dentition. This session will review a contemporary algorithm for contemporary mandibular reconstruction.