CAD/CAM-manufactured implants are increasingly becoming the standard in current therapy. The question of whether the manufacturing-related rougher surface of selective laser fusion plates compared to milled, smoother reconstruction plates leads to increased postoperative complications such as infections, plate exposure, and fistulas has not yet been determined. A retrospective analysis of 98 patients who underwent surgical treatment with either a selective laser fusion plate or a milled reconstruction plate at our hospital was performed. The only significant predictors of the revision risk were the operation time and use of antiresorptive medication. In the KLS Martin® group, the risk of revision decreased by approximately 20% for each additional hour by which the operation time was increased (OR = 0.81). In the Depuy Synthes® group, the risk of revision increased by approximately 11% with each additional hour of operative time (OR = 0.81 × 1.37 = 1.11). Both groups showed no significant differences in the number of necessary revision surgeries as well as inpatient complications. In summary, we can say that the assumption that additively manufactured reconstruction plates have a rougher surface due to selective laser melting and thus make plaque accumulation and revisions more likely has not been confirmed. Overall, it seems imperative to select further studies regarding the clinical outcome depending on the selected plate system.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on mandibular critical-sized defect regeneration in rats with experimentally induced type I diabetes mellitus. Restoration of large osseous defects in an impaired osteogenic condition such as diabetes mellitus is a challenging task in clinical practice. Therefore, investigating adjunctive therapies to accelerate the regeneration of such defects is crucial.
Sixteen albino rats were divided into two groups (n = 8/group). To induce diabetes mellitus, a single streptozotocin dosage was injected. Critical-sized defects were created in the right posterior mandibles and filled with beta-tricalcium phosphate graft. The study group was subjected to 90-min sessions of hyperbaric oxygen at 2.4 ATA, for 5 consecutive days per week. Euthanasia was carried out after 3 weeks of therapy. Bone regeneration was examined histologically and histomorphometrically. Angiogenesis was assessed by immunohistochemistry against vascular endothelial progenitor cell marker (CD34) and the microvessel density was calculated.
Exposure of diabetic animals to hyperbaric oxygen resulted in superior bone regeneration and increased endothelial cell proliferation, which were revealed histologically and immunohistochemically, respectively. These results were confirmed by histomorphometric analysis which disclosed a higher percentage of new bone surface area and microvessel density in the study group.
Hyperbaric oxygen has a beneficial effect on bone regenerative capacity, qualitatively and quantitively, as well as the ability to stimulate angiogenesis.

Ameloblastomas are benign, locally invasive odontogenic tumors that comprise approximately 1% of tumors within the jaws, with 66% located in the posterior mandible. If left untreated, these lesions can reach enormous size, resulting in considerable deformity and associated morbidity. Traditionally, defects >6 cm warranted a free-flap fibula transfer or iliac crest autogenous graft. Surgical treatment for the two presented cases included a large (>6 cm) mandibular segmental resection with immediate reconstruction via a tissue-engineering protocol that included bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2), bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and cortical bone chips. Both patients had an uneventful postoperative course and healed satisfactorily. Established bone reconstruction determinants include bone volume, facial counter, esthetics, and restoration of functionality. Advances in tissue engineering provide a legitimate alternative while decreasing the risks, length of hospital stay, and postoperative morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular defects reconstruction could result challenging in childhood, due to facial and mandibular growth patterns. For these reasons, the choice of the most suitable reconstructive option in pediatric patients, affected by mandibular malignancies, still objects of debate.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to compare our reconstructive schedules to the existing literature in order to give a personal contribute to the present panorama.
METHODS: We performed, in October 2019, a retrospective evaluation of pediatric patients treated for biopsy-proven mandibular malignancies at our Institute between January 2013 and December 2016. All of them received multimodal therapy in accordance with standard guidelines and their demographic, clinical, treatment, and outcome parameters were collected and analyzed.
RESULTS: We observed a shorter duration of surgery, a faster tracheostomy tube and feeding-tube removal, and a minor hospitalization in patients who received grafts transfer compared to those who underwent microsurgical mandibular reconstruction. After a 36-month period of follow-up, osteochondral grafts showed a pattern of growth similar to the mandibular epiphysis (condilylion-gonion linear and vertical ratio ranging to 0.96-1.03 and 1-1.02 at orthopantomogram, respectively). No bone consolidation delays and functional impairment were recorded.
CONCLUSIONS: Free flaps mandibular reconstruction in children needs to be better assessed and proximal fibular epiphyseal free flap indication might deserve further studies. Osteochondral grafts find indication for lateral defects, 50-55 mm in maximum length and located in the mandibular ramus, without massive teeth or soft tissue defect. Condyle involvement does not represent an absolute contraindication to rib graft use.

Background and Objectives: Mechanical stimulation can improve the structural properties of the fracture site and induce the differentiation of different cell types for bone regeneration. This study aimed to compare the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) versus whole body vibration (WBV) on healing of mandibular bone defects. Materials and Methods: A mandibular defect was created in 66 rats. The rats were randomly divided into two groups of rats. Each group was subdivided randomly by three groups (n = 11) as follows: (I) control group, (II) treatment with LIPUS, and (III) treatment with WBV. The radiographic changes in bone density, the ratio of lamellar bone to the entire bone volume, the ratio of the newly formed bone to the connective tissue and inflammation grade were evaluated after 1 and 2 months. Results: LIPUS significantly increased the radiographic bone density change compared to the control group at the first and second month postoperatively (p < 0.01). WBV only significantly increased the bone density compared to the control group at the second month after the surgery (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Application of LIPUS and WBV may enhance the regeneration of mandibular bone defects in rats. Although LIPUS and WBV are effective in mandibular bone healing, the effects of LIPUS are faster and greater than WBV.

Objective:To investigate the application of free fibular flap based on digital technology in mandibular defects. Method:Eight cases of mandibular defects underwent virtual surgery and guide plate design before operation. The mandibular osteotomy guide plate, fibula plastic guide plate and mandibular reconstruction model were prepared by rapid prototyping technology. The individualized reconstruction titanium plates were prefabricated on the mandibular reconstruction model. Based on the guide plates and the individualized reconstruction titanium plates, the mandibular defects were repaired accurately. At the same time, CT angiography was used to observe the variation of peroneal artery. For patients with soft tissue defects, the superficial position of the point going out muscle of perforator vessels was located, and the skin flaps were designed to repair the soft tissue defect. Result:The free fibular flaps survived in all patients. The guide plates were successfully implanted, the position of the individualized reconstruction titanium plates were accurate, and the occlussions were well recovered. Preoperative CT angiography was carried out without complication in all patients, the desired anatomy was adequately demonstrated in all patients. The superficial position of the point going out muscle of perforator vessels during operation were basically in accordance with those detected by CT angiography. Conclusion:The free fibular flaps based on digital technology can successfully repair mandibular defects with good aesthetic and functional results.
目的：探讨基于数字化技术的游离腓骨肌皮瓣在下颌骨缺损中的应用价值。 方法：8例拟行游离腓骨肌皮瓣修复手术的患者，术前行虚拟手术及导板设计，利用快速成型技术制备下颌骨截骨导板、腓骨塑形导板以及下颌骨修复后模型，在下颌骨修复后模型上预制个体化重建钛板，术中根据导板和个体化重建钛板，完成对下颌骨缺损的精确修复。同时通过术前下肢CT血管造影观察腓动脉有无变异，对合并软组织缺损的患者，定位穿支血管出肌点的体表位置，以其为中心设计皮瓣，完成软组织缺损的修复。 结果：8例患者术后移植游离腓骨肌皮瓣均成活，导板术中就位顺利，个体化重建钛板位置准确，患者咬合关系恢复良好。术前CT血管造影检查顺利，CT血管造影可以准确显示腓动脉的解剖位置，定位穿支血管出肌点的体表位置与术中所见完全吻合。 结论：基于数字化技术的游离腓骨肌皮瓣能够成功修复下颌骨缺损，获得良好的美观和功能效果。.

To discuss the feasibility of the application of porous Mg-Sr alloy combined with Mg-Sr alloy membrane in the repair of mandibular defects in dogs. The second and third mandibular premolars on both sides were extracted from six dogs. The model of mandible buccal fenestration bone defects were prepared after the sockets healed. Twelve bone defects were randomly divided into groups A and B, then Mg-Sr alloy was implanted in bone defects of group A and covered by Mg-Sr alloy membrane while Mg-Sr alloy was implanted in bone defects of group B and covered by mineralized collagen membrane. Bone defects observed on cone beam computed tomographic images and comparing the gray value of the two groups after 4, 8 and 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the healing of bone defects were evaluated by gross observation, X-ray microscopes and histological observation of hard tissue. Bone defects in each group were repaired. At 8 and 12 weeks, the gray value of group A was higher than that of group B (P < 0.05). At 12 weeks, the bone volume fraction of group A was higher than that of group B (P < 0.05). The newly woven bone in group A is thick and arranged staggered, which was better than that of group B. Porous Mg-Sr alloy combined with Mg-Sr alloy membrane could further promote the repair of mandibular defects, and obtain good osteogenic effect.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of mandibular defects can be challenging because an acceptable aesthetic and functional outcome must be achieved simultaneously.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pattern of mandibulectomy and reconstruction materials used in the reconstruction of mandibular defects.
METHODS: This was a retrospective study of mandibulectomies with reconstruction in Sokoto, Nigeria between 2012 and 2016. Data such as demographics, type of tumour, type of resection and type of reconstruction materials used were extracted and stored.
RESULTS: Fifty-two cases of mandibulectomies were done comprising 24 males and 28 females (ratio 1:1.2). Age ranged 5-80 years with mean±SD (37.8±15). Most of the cases 30 (57.7%) were on the right. There are 35 (67.3%) benign and 17 (32.7%) malignant cases. Thirty (57.7%) lateral, 16 (30.8%) condylar, 1 (1.9%) central and 5 (9.6%) combined mandibular defects were seen. Reconstruction plate alone was used in 11 (21.2%) cases, reconstruction plate with rib and tibia grafts in 16 (30.8%) cases, reconstruction plate with Iliac crest and tibia grafts in 15 (28.8%) cases. Graft length ranged from 0-20cm. There was satisfactory outcome altogether in 32 (80.0%).
CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown the types of mandibulectomies and reconstruction materials used in our centre.

Rehabilitation of gunshot injuries that require combined reconstruction of bone and soft tissue poses a considerable challenge. We describe three cases of rehabilitation for mandibular defects and deformities caused by gunshot injuries. After debridement, three kinds of internal distractors were used. The bony transport discs were distracted about 10-22mm, and the new bone formed well in the distracted gaps. There was no evidence of infection during the consolidation period or follow up. Aesthetic appearance was also pleasing after treatment. Internal distraction osteogenesis after debridement might be a practical way of synchronously reconstructing bony and soft tissue after mandibular gunshot injuries.

Mandibles are the largest and strongest bone in the human face and are often severely compromised by mandibular defects, compromising the quality of life of patients. Mandibular defects may result from trauma, inflammatory disease and benign or malignant tumours. The reconstruction of mandibular defect has been a research hotspot in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Although the principles and techniques of mandibular reconstruction have made great progress in recent years, the development of biomedical materials is still facing technical bottleneck, and new materials directly affect technological breakthroughs in this field. This paper reviews the current status of research and application of various biomaterials in mandibular defects and systematically elaborates different allogeneic biomaterial-based approaches. It is expected that various biomaterials, in combination with new technologies such as digital navigation and 3D printing, could be tuned to build new types of scaffold with more precise structure and components, addressing needs of surgery and post-reconstruction. With the illustration and systematization of different solutions, aims to inspire the development of reconstruction biomaterials.