The split rib bundle graft in mandibular reconstruction.

This article describes a modified technique for the use of free non-vascularized split ribs (bound together in the form of a tight bundle), to reconstruct different types of mandibular defects. Experience gained over the last 4 years in treating 38 patients with different pathological lesions is presented. The procedure, carried out simultaneously with bone resection proved to be highly effective in providing mesio-distal spanning of the defect, adequate mandibular height as well as bucco-lingual thickness. This technique utilizes the different theories of osteogenesis: (a) from the periosteal cells, (b) from the transplanted living osteocytes and from (c) stimulating host mesenchymal cells to form new bone by bone induction. The surgical technique, results and conclusions are presented in this report.