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Abstract Background Vascularized bone grafting (VBG) is preferred for mandibular reconstruction post‐tumor ablation. Although various bone‐free flaps are used, their application is compromised by limitations including insufficient bone volume and poor shape. Here, we report mandibular reconstruction using axial split‐step osteotomy with an iliac crest‐free flap. Methods Over December 2018–November 2020, 12 patients underwent mandibular reconstruction via axial split osteotomy using a free iliac‐crest flap. Results The preoperative iliac‐crest length was 5.7–9.5 mm (median, 7.5 cm); the mean post‐axial split‐osteotomy iliac‐crest length increased to 9.59 mm (range, 6.34–15.15 mm). All patients presented with initial healing 2 weeks postoperation; good bone healing was achieved in all grafted flaps by the third month of follow‐up. Conclusions We propose a new axial split‐step osteotomy technique using free iliac‐crest flaps for mandibular reconstruction. We demonstrated this novel technique's reliability for safe and effective bone lengthening and establishing a reliable occlusal relationship.
Shu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.