MICROVASCULAR RECONSTRUCTION OF PEDIATRIC MANDIBULAR DEFECTS

Abstract

The treatment of aggressive benign and malignant head and neck tumors requires partial (segmental) or half mandibular resection on frequent occasions. Mandibular defects of even a small extent lead to significant cosmetic deformity and are accompanied by impairment of important functions, such as chewing, swallowing, and correct speech production. Mandibuloplasty using a revascularized peroneal graft is the method of choice after extensive resections for disseminated benign and malignant tumors.