Allogeneic (homograft) reconstruction of the mandible

Reconstruction of the tumor-ablated patient remains one of the most challenging problems for the head-and-neck surgeon. Various methods have been described, including alloplastic reconstruction, free vascularized flaps, osteomyocutaneous flaps, and allogeneic reconstruction with particulate marrow grafts. Sixteen patients who have undergone homograft mandibular replacement at the Yale New Haven Hospital are described. Eighty-one percent of these grafts were successful in restoring form and function to a high degree of patient satisfaction. Eleven of the sixteen patients had radiation therapy after initial tumor surgery; 91% of these grafts were successful.